it
will be impossible for an accident to happen. Soma will go first with
one of the other boys, and they will guide every one into the opening.
Once through there the path leads into a valley in the centre of the
island, and the road is perfectly safe."

Edith Herndon looked at her sister as Soma unwound the strong manilla
rope which he had carried from the yacht, and they exchanged glances
that showed clearly the terror in which they viewed the journey across
the ledge.

Leith frowned as he glanced toward the pit. The colours were fading from
the brilliant sides as the sun sank lower, and the inky clouds that
seemed to heave far down in its mysterious depths fought their way
slowly upward as the invading sunbeams were driven out. It became more
terrifying as each moment passed.

Leith seemed to recognize this, and he turned upon the Professor. "If we
don't get down in half an hour we will have to postpone it till the
morning," he exclaimed. "I didn't look for a hitch like this. I tell you
that there is not the slightest danger, and the young ladies will be
just as safe upon that ledge as they are up here."

The Professor turned to the two girls as he closed his camera. The mad
hunger for notoriety evidently blinded him to the dangers which would
have been perceptible at any other time, and Holman's remarks had not
improved his temper.

"Come, come, Edith!" he entreated. "We must get along. You hear what Mr.
Leith says? There is no danger. A rope will be put around your waist,
and an accident will be impossible."

The younger girl took a glance at the terrifying abyss and shrank back
to Edith's side.

"Wait till the morning," she whispered.

"What is that?" asked the Professor.

"Barbara wants you to wait till the morning," replied Edith. "I think it
will be better. This light doesn't make the place look attractive."

Leith moved his big hands in a manner that showed he was willing to wait
till the following day, and Barbara Herndon gave a little gasp of
relief. Soma coiled the rope that he had laid out in expectation of an
immediate descent, and the whole party moved back about thirty yards
from the obstacle in our path. As I analyzed my own feelings, on turning
my back upon the spot, I felt that Barbara Herndon was not alone in
desiring to make the trip when the wholesome sunbeams were pouring into
the shadowy cauldron.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER IX

INTO THE VALLEY OF ECHOES

Holman and I had s