rough that
crack up there."

Mike whistled.

"Why, of course," he said. "What a good idea! But I don't believe it
goes in above a foot or two."

"Oh yes, it does," said Vince decisively. "I thought so a little while
ago, but last time we came I found out that it goes ever so far, and so
I brought this hook."

"And never told me."

"Telling you now, aren't I?"

"But how did you know?"

"Saw a pigeon fly out."

"Well, that proves nothing. It only flew in to settle for a bit, and
then came out again."

"That's what I fancied," said Vince, trying his knot by standing upon
the grapnel and tugging hard with both hands at the rope; "but I watched
while you were lying on your back asleep and saw others go in and come
out."

"Well, that only shows that there are several nests there instead of
one. I say, let's bring some paste next time we come and make a pigeon
pudding of young ones. I'll get our cook to make us some. I'll tell
her what we want it for, and she'll think we are going to make a sort of
picnic dinner under a rock somewhere."

"Wait a bit, and let's try first," said Vince. "There, I'm ready now.
We did talk about examining that great crack when we came, but I thought
it wasn't worth the trouble till yesterday. I fancy it leads into
another cave."

"Hope it does," said Mike. "Make this place all the more interesting."

"Couldn't," said Vince shortly. "Come along and let's see if I can
catch a big fish without a bait."

They went to the darkest corner of the outer cave, where the roof was
highest, and after laying the rope ready, Vince took hold of it about
two feet from the large triple hook, swung it to and fro several times,
and then sent it flying upward towards the roof, where it struck the
edge of the jagged crack ten feet or so above their heads and came down
with a loud clang.

"One," said Mike. "Three offers out."

"All right: you shall have your innings then," said Vince, picking up
the hook, aiming more truly, and again sending it flying up.

This time it passed right up out of sight and fell back, striking the
bottom of the crack and glancing off again to the floor, falling
silently into the sand.

"Two," cried Mike. "He won't do it."

"Wait a bit," said Vince, and he swung the hook upward. There was a
click, and it stayed just within the crack; while the lad laughed.
"Now," he cried, "can't I do it?"

"No!" said Mike triumphantly, for at the first jerk of the rop