tracks of a gigantic vehicle. Following the track for some
distance, he came to a muddy spot, where the footprints of men and
horses became distinctly visible. A little further on he passed the
mouth of what appeared to be a cavern, and, being of an inquisitive
disposition, he dismounted and tied his horse to a tree, intending to
examine the entrance.

To enter a dark cave, in a wild, unknown region, with the din of a
thundering cataract filling the ears, just after having discovered
tracks of a mysterious nature in the neighbourhood, was so trying to
Tom's nervous system, that he half resolved to give it up; but the
exploration of a cavern has a fascination to some dispositions which
every one cannot understand. Tom said "Pshaw!" to himself in an
undertone, and boldly stepping into the dark portals of the cave, he
disappeared.

Meanwhile, Edward Sinton finished his sketch, and, supposing that Tom
was waiting for him in advance, he mounted and galloped forward as fast
as the nature of the ground would allow.

Soon he came to the tracks before mentioned, and shortly after to the
muddy spot with the footprints. Here he drew rein, and dismounted to
examine the marks more closely. Our hero was as much perplexed as his
friend had been at the unusually broad tracks of the vehicle which had
passed that way. Leading his horse by the bridle, he advanced slowly
until he came to the spot where Tom's horse stood fastened to a tree,--a
sight which alarmed him greatly, for the place was not such as any one
would have selected for an encampment, yet had any foul play befallen
his friend, he knew well that the horse would not have been left quietly
there.

Sorely puzzled, and filled with anxious fears, he examined the spot
carefully, and at last came upon the entrance to the cavern, before
which he paused, uncertain what to do. The shadows of evening were fast
falling on the scene, and he experienced a feeling of dread as he gazed
into the profound gloom. He was convinced that Tom must be there; but
the silence, and the length of time he had been absent, led him to fear
that some accident had befallen his friend.

"Ho! Tom!" he shouted, on entering, "are you there?" There was a
rolling echo within, but no voice replied to the question.

Again Ned shouted at the full pitch of his lungs, and this time he
thought he heard a faint reply. Hurrying forward eagerly, as quickly as
he dared, he repeated his shout, but the dec