them water, they saw before them a huge
tree, upturned from the roots, forming beneath it a cavern of
considerable size, which Le Duc and Tom were engaged in clearing out.
There was a risk of being bitten by snakes, which might have made it
their abode, but that could not be avoided. Le Duc was running his
stick into every hole he could see to drive out any which might be
concealed. In other respects, no better place could be found.

Rayner and Brown lifted in Jack and placed him on the ground, and Rayner
gave him some of the food they had brought from the tower. They had
only enough, unfortunately, for one meal. Meantime it was better than
nothing, and resolved to give Jack his share.

The rest of the party had collected some branches and brushwood to
conceal the entrance. This done, they all crept in.

Le Duc, who had surveyed their place of concealment from the outside,
declared that no person not actually searching for them would suspect
that any one was there. No sooner had they swallowed their food than
they all fell asleep.

Rayner was the first to awaken. He listened, but could hear no sound
except the buzz of insects, and he knew, by the light which came in from
the upper part of the entrance, that the sun was shining brightly.

Jack was still asleep. He was breathing easily, and appeared to be
better; but still it was not probable that he would be able to continue
the journey. It would be necessary, therefore, at all events, to remain
in the cavern all the day, but should he be well enough they might
continue their journey at nightfall. Their chief difficulty would be to
procure food from the neighbouring village without exciting suspicion.

Rayner was unwilling to arouse his companions. At length, however,
Oliver awoke; then Le Duc sat up rubbing his eyes.

They consulted as to what was to be done. Oliver agreed with Rayner
that they must remain where they were, but Le Duc was for pushing on.
When, however, Rayner reminded him that Jack could not possibly move as
fast as necessary, if at all, he consented to remain.

"But should the gendarmes come in this direction to look for us, we
shall probably be discovered," he observed.

"We must hope, then, that they will not come in this direction," said
Oliver.

"But what about food, monsieur?" asked Le Duc.

"We must try to go without it for a few hours," answered Rayner. "We
shall be well rested, and must tie our handkerchiefs tightly roun