reaching up some ten feet, or half-way to where there
ran for hundreds of yards a more or less regular broad terrace cut down
out of the rock, and from which the honeycombed perpendicular cliff
rose, showing now that it was cut into steps, each step being a rough
terrace just below a row of window-like openings.

It was all plain enough now: the Indians' camp had been made right and
left of the rugged steps leading up from the water. There the fires
were still glowing, and about them and in rows where they could be dried
by the sun lay hundreds upon hundreds of good-sized fish: the harvest
the Indians had been taking from the river; while the state of some
which were piled together beneath a projecting piece of rock suggested
that the fishers must have been staying there for days.

"They are sure to come back for this fish," said Brace.

"Very likely," said Sir Humphrey. "Well, if they do, let them have it,
and we'll give them some present in return for what we have taken. Look
here, captain: we must camp here for a few days to explore this place."

"Very good, sir. We can pick out one or two of these caves, or rooms,
or whatever they are, to live in. Your Dan would like one of 'em for a
kitchen, Mr Briscoe."

"Yes; he's smelling about them now. I dessay he has chosen one
already," said the American. "Yes, I call this fine; we may come across
some curiosities next. What do you say to beginning a regular explore,
Brace?"

"I say: the sooner the better," cried Brace.

Sir Humphrey nodded.

"We'll divide into two parties, captain," he said. "Let half prepare
for making a stay; and I should like the others to bring ropes and a
boat-hook or two to help our climb, for I daresay we shall need it
before we get to the top of this cliff."

"Very good, sir, and I don't think you'll find a soul to hurt you. I'd
keep my eyes well opened though, for you may find wild beasts, and
you're sure to find snakes. Let's see," he continued, consulting a
pocket compass. "Yes: we're facing nearly due south. It will be a warm
spot, and I should say that the old inhabitants are now represented by
snakes, and poisonous ones too."

Preparations were soon made, the captain electing to stay below and make
all ready for the party's return.

Brace led off along the rugged terrace, which was terribly encumbered by
stones fallen from above; but the young adventurer's first idea was to
continue along to where the palace-like fron