other black boy, on horseback. Uncle
Denis drove, and it needed an expert whip to get along the rough road.
On coming to the farm, we had been bumped and jolted enough to dislocate
our limbs, had we not had some soft cushions to sit upon. We were now
tumbled about in a fashion which threatened to upset the waggon. Uncle
Denis shouted out--

"Never fear, the machine is accustomed to it, and will go over places
ten times as bad as this is. Hold fast though, in case of accidents."

Sometimes we crossed what might have been called, in compliment, a piece
of corduroy, though it looked more as if trees had been blown down by a
hurricane in close ranks. On other occasions we had to twist and turn
in and out among the stumps, and fly over big holes, the well-trained
horses keeping their feet in the most wonderful manner. At last we
reached a hut, where in subsequent years a fine hotel was built. As we
pulled up before it, a tall Indian appeared and, asking if we wished to
see the cavern, volunteered to act as our guide.

"You're the man we want," answered Uncle Denis.

On this the Indian, retiring to his hut, returned with a bundle of
torches. We had brought a couple of lanterns and a supply of candles,
so that there was no chance of our being left in darkness.

The two negro boys having taken charge of our horses, we proceeded on
foot, followed by Peter and Caesar, to the mouth of the pit down which
we were to descend into the cavern. This was like a large well into
which a stream fell with a cheerful splash. I remember asking not
unnaturally whether we should have to swim when we got to the bottom.

We made our way down a flight of wooden steps, when, passing under a
high archway, we proceeded along a level road to what were called the
"vats," where saltpetre was manufactured.

The torches lighted up the subterranean region in which we found
ourselves. As to describing it exactly is more than I can pretend to
do. From the large entrance-hall we made our way through a low narrow
passage, which is known as the Valley of Humility, into another hall of
enormous extent, the roof so lofty that our torches scarcely illuminated
either the walls or roof. At our feet we could see the glitter of water
extending far away into the interior, while a bright stream flowed over
a rocky bed into it. Uncle Denis proposed that we should sit down and
refresh ourselves preparatory to exploring the interior recesses of the
cave