Part 31 (1/2)

”So's down there!”

At this David's face turned pale He knelt down at the opening, and bent his head over

The sounds, which had ceased for a moment, beca, rustling, rubbing noise aots, and he could occasionally hear the rap of footfalls on the floor It was too dark to see anything, for the narrow door was the only opening, and the end of the chaloo there, listened eagerly and intently with all their ears

”What is it?” asked Clive

”I'looand?” whispered Clive, dismally

”I don't know, I'm sore,” said poor David, who, in spite of his recent declaration of his belief that all brigands were huestion

They listened a little longer

The noise subsided for a tiain This ti, rubbing, cracking, snapping sound ots; there was a clatter as of feet on the hard ground; then there was a quick, reiterated rubbing; then another peculiar noise, which sounded exactly like that which a dogout of the water After this there was a low, deep sound, rowl; then all was still

David and Clive raised themselves softly, and looked at one another

”Well?” said Clive

”Well?” said David

”I don't know,” said Clive

”I don't know,” said David

”What shall we do?” said Clive

David shook his head Then, looking down the opening oncethem with an awful look on Clive, he said, in a disand!”

”No,” said Clive, ”I don't think it is, either”

David looked down again; then he looked up at Clive with the same expression, and said in the same dismal tone as before,--

”Clive!”

”Well?”

”_It's a wild beast!_”

Clive looked back at David with eyes that expressed equal horror, and said not a word

”Don't you think so?” asked David

”Yes,” said Clive

Then:--

”How can we get down?” said David

do said Clive

”I, don't know!” said David

do said Clive