nt growing on his face. The roots of the tree had
slowly risen several feet into the air, disclosing a hole in the rocks.

Chunky was so excited that he fell off before Tad could say a word. The
tree settled back, closing the hole in the rocks.

CHAPTER XXII

THE CAVE OF THE BANDITS

The top of the tree sprang up with such force, when relieved of the
weight of the fat boy, that Tad Butler lost his hold and was catapulted
to the ground, which he struck with a force that made his bones ache.

The two Pony Rider Boys sat up rubbing themselves and looking into
each others' faces.

"Well, what do you think of that?" jeered Stacy Brown.

"I think we got a fine tumble," replied Tad, grinning.

"And I think something else, too."

"Yes, we've made a discovery!"

"A great discovery," breathed Stacy tensely.

"I think so, but that remains to be seen. Who would have thought it?
But get away from here! We may have disturbed some one."

The lads quickly scrambled up and, skulking into the bushes, crouched
down, watching the roots of the tree, almost expecting them to rise
into the air again. Nothing of the sort happened. The birds were
singing in the trees, the sun was shining brightly, the heat was intense.

"I'm going to investigate," declared Tad.

"Maybe we've discovered another gold mine, or perhaps a German dugout,"
suggested Chunky.

"Perhaps, but not in the way you think."

"How do you mean?"

"Wait until we investigate. There may be more to this than either of
us think. I wonder if we can weight that tree down so the roots will
stay up in the air?"

"I saw some rocks there near the top. Perhaps we can make them stay
on so the top will be held down."

"You get up on the tree again and I'll pass the rocks up to you. Place
them so they won't slide off. I don't want to get crushed by them
falling on me."

"Neither do I want to get thrown off again. I'm black and blue all
over, right this minute."

"I think I must be by the feel of my skin. Hurry!"

Stacy ran back to the roots, once more clambering to the trunk, along
which he ran clear to the outer end. Tad was ready with a heavy, flat
rock which he carefully raised by main strength.

"Now, don't you dare let that drop on me or I'll be mashed flat,
Stacy Brown."

"I---I won't let it d-d-rop un---unless I---I fall off."

The rock nearly got away from the fat boy. Butler leaped back out of
the way, but Stacy recovered himself