"See how dry the flooring is.

That proves that it is waterproof." From the large chamber there were several passageways, all leading toward the bay.
"Which shall we investigate first ?" asked Sam.
"Let us start at the right." "All right, Tom; the right ought to be right," answered Sam lightly.
On they went once more, the flooring now sloping before them.

Here there was considerable moisture, and they had to walk with care for fear of slipping down.
Suddenly a number of bats flew out of a hole nearby, dashing against the torches and against the boys themselves.

The rush was so unexpected that each youth dropped his light and put up his hands to protect himself.
"Get out! Let me alone!" spluttered Sam.
"Whoop!" roared Tom.

"Confound the bats anyway! Get along and let us alone!" Lying on the flooring the torches soon went out, and in their efforts to protect themselves from the bats the boys rushed blindly down the passageway.