nged," he said to Jack, looking over his
shoulder as he walked on; "you don't get all over it at once. Here we
are."

They had reached the threshold, and opening the door, he led the way
in.

It was a neat little cottage interior, with nothing about it to attract
attention.

Passing through the first room, Lenoir conducted them to a sort of
out-house beyond.

Here they came upon the first surprise.

He opened a door which apparently shut in a cupboard, and this, to
their intense astonishment, revealed a flight of stone steps which
seemingly led into the very bowels of the earth.

"Hallo!" exclaimed Jack; "why, what's this?"

"I thought I should astonish you, now," said Lenoir, with his same calm
smile.

"What is this place?"

"There is a whole series of caves below these, apparently natural
formations. The only way I can account for them myself is that at some
time or other some experimental mining operations have gone on there.
Would you like to go down and see the place?"

"With pleasure," returned Jack, eagerly.

"Allow me to lead the way."

When they had descended a few steps, Jack half repented.

This man was a stranger to them, and he had brought them to a very wild
and out-of-the-way place.

Had he any evil purpose in bringing them there?

Jack stood wavering for a few seconds--no more.

"We are four," he said to himself, "four without counting Mr. Mole;
they must be a pretty tough lot to frighten us much, after all said and
done."

So saying down he went.

The others followed close behind him.

At the base of the flight of steps they found themselves in a spacious
vault that was unpleasantly dark.

"Allow me to lead the way now," said Lenoir, passing on. "Follow me
closely; there is no fear of stumbling, there is nothing in the way."

So saying, he conducted them through this opening, which, by the way,
was so low that they had to stoop in passing under, and found
themselves now in a narrow cave, which reminded young Jack forcibly of
the dungeon and its approach of Sir Walter Raleigh, in the Tower of
London.

"What do you think of this place?" demanded the guide.

"A very curious sight," was the reply. "You put all this space to no
use?"

"Pardon me," said Lenoir; "I practise my favorite hobby here."

"Here!"

"Yes--or rather in the next cellar beyond."

"And what may be that favourite hobby?"

"Medalling," was Lenoir's reply.

And again he shot at his questioners one of