The Island of Gold Part 46

But the expected arrival of these warlike natives was not going to prevent them from finding gold, if gold there were in the Medicine-man's Cave, as it was now named.

So early next morning the discovery party had reached the landward opening. They were provided with lamps to light and hang, with tools, and with provisions for the day.

At the mouth of the cave Fitz was stationed with gla.s.s in hand, to watch for a signal to be given from Observatory Hill, in case the boats should start from the distant island.

The lamps were lit at the entrance to the cave, which was gloomy enough in all conscience.

"Surely," cried Tom Wilson, when they reached the interior and saw the great stalact.i.tes, the candles and icicles of gla.s.s, and the walls all shining with "rubies and rainbows,"--"surely this is the cave of Aladdin. Ah, it is diamonds as well as gold we ought to be able to collect here, maties!"

And now hours were spent in a fruitless search for the mine. Even the floor of the seaward cave was dug up and its walls tapped, but all in vain.

It was not until they were preparing to leave, that, chancing to hear Bob whining and sc.r.a.ping not ten yards from the outer entrance, Halcott turned his attention in that direction.

A ghastly sight met their gaze! For here lay a pile of human bones half covered with dust, and half buried in the debris that had fallen from the roof.

And near this awful heap, but above it, was a hole about five feet high, and wide enough to admit two men at a time.

The excitement now was intense, but for a time all stood spell-bound with horror.

"Here," said James, slowly, "is the spot where that fiend, the medicine-man, murdered the boys as an offering to the great fire-fiend.

Now we shall find the gold. Come, follow me, men!"

He took a lamp from Tom Wilson's hand as he spoke, and boldly entered the cave.

It was far from an inviting place where they now stood.

What did that signify to those determined gold-seekers? For hardly had they dug two feet down ere they were rewarded by finding one large, rough nugget of pure gold and several small ones.

They forgot all about the savages now, and nothing could exceed the eagerness with which the men laboured. But fatigue, at last, overcame them, and they were obliged to retire, carrying with them more of the precious ore than many an Australian digger has found during a whole lifetime.

It was very dark as they made their way through the bush; but Fitz was an excellent guide, so they got back in time for supper.

A very happy evening this was, fore and aft, and Tom Wilson seemed the gayest of the gay. The poor fellow had sinned and fallen, it is true, but surely G.o.d had already forgiven him. Tom believed so, and it was this belief, he told James more than once, that made him forget his sorrow.

"I'll meet my wife and children on the other sh.o.r.e," he said once, with a sad smile, "and they'll forgive me too."

In a week's time the gold fever was at its height. And no wonder, for in whatever direction they dug nuggets were found in this marvellous cave.

The fortune of every man there was made.

But would the gold be of any use to them?

One day, about a fortnight after the wonderful discovery, something very startling occurred. Almost every hour while digging they had heard strange sounds, like the rumbling of heavy artillery along a rough road, with now and then a loud but m.u.f.fled report, as of a great gun fired in the distance.

No wonder James had remarked that the heathen minds of the savages believed that a great fire-fiend dwelt deep down here, and must be propitiated with human sacrifice.

But on this particular day, after a terrible report, the earth shook and quivered, great ma.s.ses of soil fell crashing down here and there, and the lamps were all extinguished.

The noise died away like the muttering of a thunderstorm in the far distance.

"Keep quiet and cool, men; we are all right. We can relight the lamps."

It was Halcott who spoke.

Yes, and so they quickly did; but judge of their horror when, on making their way to what had been the entrance to the cave, they found no exit there!

Then the terrible truth revealed itself to them--they were entombed alive!

At first the horror of the situation rendered them speechless.

Was it the heat of internal fires, or was it terror--I know not which-- that made the perspiration stand in great beads on their now pale faces?

"What is to be done?" cried one of the men.

"Never despair, lad!"--and Halcott's manly voice was heard once more--"never despair!"

His voice sounded hollow, however--hollow, and far away.

Book 3--CHAPTER NINE.

"ON SWEPT THE WAR-CANOES TOWARDS THE CORAL BEACH."

"It was just here, was it not," said Halcott, "where the entrance was?

Keep up your hearts, boys, we shall soon dig ourselves clear."

Cheered by his voice, every one set himself bravely to the task before him.

But a whole hour went by, and they were now nearly exhausted.

One or more had thrown themselves on the ground panting.

The heat increased every minute, and the atmosphere became stifling.

The thirst, too, was almost unendurable.

Even James himself was yielding at last to despair, and already the lights were burning more dimly.

But hark! the sound of the dog barking. His voice seemed ever so far away, but every heart was cheered by it.

Again, lads, again! Up with your spades; one more effort.

The men sprang up from the floor of the cave and went to work now with a will.

Nearer and nearer the dog's anxious barking sounded every minute.

At last, with a joyous cry, Bob burst through, and with him came a welcome rush of pure air.

They were saved!