"Paul Blackton, you're----" The engineer's laughter was like a giant's roar in the cavern, and Joanne gave a gasp, while Peggy shiveringly caught Aldous by the arm.
"There--I've got the lantern!" exclaimed Blackton.

"There isn't any danger, not a bit.

Wait a minute and I'll tell you all about it." He lighted the lantern, and in the glow of it Joanne's and Peggy's faces were white and startled.

"Why, bless my soul, I didn't mean to frighten you!" he cried.

"I was just telling you facts.