l it was within
reach, Vince suddenly leaned forward and struck at it with all his
might.

The blow only fell upon the water, making a sharp splash; for the lad's
movement threw the lanthorn forward, and the sudden dart towards the
animal of a glaring object was enough. The creature made the water
surge and eddy as it struck it with its powerful tail, and went off with
a tremendous rush, raising a wave as it went, and sending a great ring
around to the sides of the expanded cavern, the noise of the water
lapping against the walls being plainly heard.

This incident startled, but at the same time encouraged the lads, for it
gave them a feeling of confidence in their own power; but as soon as
they recommenced their advance, there was another shock,--something
struck against Vince's leg, and in spite of his effort at self-command
he uttered a cry.

There was no real cause for alarm, though; and they grasped the fact
that the blow was struck by one of a shoal of large fish, or congers,
making a rush to escape the enemies who had invaded their solitude, and
in the flurry one of them had struck against the first object in its
way. "I'm sure they were congers," whispered Mike. "I felt one of them
seem to twist round me."

"Never mind: they're gone," replied Vince. "Come on. I fancy there
must be a rocky shore farther on, as it's so shallow here, and it's all
sand under foot."

"Not all: I've put my feet on rock several times," whispered Mike.

"Well, that doesn't matter. There's plenty of sand. Look out!"

There was a tremendous splashing in front, and the water came surging by
them, while they noticed now that the sides of the place were once more
closing in as they advanced.

"Shall we go back?" said Vince; for the sudden disturbance in front,
evidently the action of large animals, or fish, had acted as a check to
him as well as his companion.

Mike was silent for a few moments. Then he said hoarsely: "I'll stick
to you, Cinder, and do what you do."

"Then come on," said the boy, who felt a little ashamed of his feeling
of dread.

"Can't be sharks, can it?" whispered Mike, as, in addition to the
lapping and sucking noises made by the water, there was a peculiar
rustling and panting.

"Sharks, in a cave like this? No. They're seals, I'm sure, four or
five of them, and they've backed away from us till they've got to the
end. Hark! Don't you hear? There is a sort of shore there, and they
are crawli