ations of the cavern. It
seemed as if different groups answered each other alternately.

At last, after continuing on for a considerable distance, a still more
curious and beautiful spectacle than we had yet seen burst on our view.
The ground suddenly sloped upwards at a sharp angle, thickly covered
with vegetation, in the midst of which the river came rushing over a
ledge of rock, forming a cascade which sparkled as the light of our
torches fell on it; while the brilliantly white stalactites which
descended from the roof were seen against the foliage of the trees.

Having climbed up the rise I have mentioned, we went on as before by the
side of the stream, the ground being of a uniform level. As we looked
back, the opening of the cavern appeared greatly contracted, the distant
light of day forming a strange contrast to the darkness which here
surrounded us. The roof now became lower, the sides contracted to
little more, perhaps, than forty or fifty feet; while the cries of the
birds became more and more shrill. Our Indian guide, though he had
shown his bravery on many occasions, seemed unwilling to go much
farther; but the doctor urged him to make the attempt, promising to
defend him against all evil spirits which we might encounter. While he
was speaking, the light attracted some of the birds, which in their
eagerness flew towards us; and the doctor and I managed to knock down
two, greatly to his delight.

The character of the cavern remained the same, and though our curiosity
prompted us to try and reach the end, we began to consider that it would
take us a long time to do so, and that our torches must shortly burn
done. The same idea had occurred to Kanimapo, who again begged the
doctor to return, warning him of the danger we ran in attempting to make
our way in the dark over the uneven ground.

"You are right, my friend," answered the doctor. I agreed with him
also, and turning our faces to the entrance we retraced our steps.

Before our eyes became dazzled by the light of day, we saw on the
outside of the grotto the water of the river, sparkling amid the foliage
of the trees which shaded it. It was like a picture placed in the
distance, the mouth of the cavern serving as a frame.

We were welcomed by our friends, who had become somewhat anxious at our
long absence; and Gerald, after expatiating on the wonders we had seen,
acknowledged that he was glad to get beyond the hearing of the hoarse
cries of