t around the place, critical
investigation was a matter of time and painstaking, although a general
idea of the cavern was readily formed.

High overhead arched the rocky roof, blackened by smoke, and looking
more gloomy than nature had intended. The side walls were likewise
irregular, now showing tiny niches and nooks, then jutting out to form
awkward points and elbows, which were but partially disguised by such
articles of wear and daily use as the exile had collected during the
years gone by, or since his occupancy first began.

So much the professor took in with his initial glances, but then he left
Waldo and his brother to look more closely, himself giving thought to
the being whom they had so happily saved from the whirlpool.

"Professor Edgecombe!" he again exclaimed, grasping those roughened
hands to press them cordially. "I ought to have recognised you at sight,
no doubt, since I have watched your ascents time and time again."

The exile smiled faintly, shaking his head and giving another sigh.

"Ah, me! 'twas vastly different, then. I only marvel that you should
give me credit when I lay claim to that name, so long--it has long faded
from the public's memory, sir."

But uncle Phaeton shook his head, decidedly.

"No, no, I assure you, my friend; far from it. Whenever the topic is
brought to the front; whenever aerostatics are discussed, your name and
fame are sure to play a prominent part. And yet,--you disappeared so
long ago, never being heard of after--"

"After sailing away upon the storm for which I had waited and prayed,
for so many weary, heart-sick months!"

"So the rumour ran, but we all believed that must be an exaggeration,
and not for a long time was all hope abandoned. Then, more hearts than
one felt sore and sad at thoughts of your untimely fate."

"A fate infinitely worse than ordinary death such as was credited me,"
huskily muttered the exile. "Ten years,--and ever since I have been
here, helpless to extricate myself, doomed to a living death, which none
other can ever fully realise! Doomed to--to--"

His voice choked, and he turned away to hide his emotions.

Professor Featherwit thoroughly appreciated the interruption which came
through Waldo's lips just at that moment.

"Oh, I say,--uncle Phaeton!"

"What is it, lad? Don't meddle with what doesn't--"

"Looking can't hurt, can it? And to think people ever got along with
such things as these!"

Waldo was squared before sundry