"There, I'm ready now.
We did talk about examining that great crack when we came, but I thought it wasn't worth the trouble till yesterday.

I fancy it leads into another cave." "Hope it does," said Mike.

"Make this place all the more interesting." "Couldn't," said Vince shortly.

"Come along and let's see if I can catch a big fish without a bait." They went to the darkest corner of the outer cave, where the roof was highest, and after laying the rope ready, Vince took hold of it about two feet from the large triple hook, swung it to and fro several times, and then sent it flying upward towards the roof, where it struck the edge of the jagged crack ten feet or so above their heads and came down with a loud clang.
"One," said Mike.

"Three offers out." "All right: you shall have your innings then," said Vince, picking up the hook, aiming more truly, and again sending it flying up.
This time it passed right up out of sight and fell back, striking the bottom of the crack and glancing off again to the floor, falling silently into the sand.
"Two," cried Mike.