Eagle-eye shrugged his shoulders, at the same time giving a negative
twist to his body.

"Eagle-eye not go down there," he grunted.

"Why not?" asked Ned.

"Bad spirits live in waters. Bymeby come out and get Eagle-eye."

"Oh, shucks!" jeered Ned. "My opinion is that they wouldn't bother to
get you, even if there were any such things down there."

"Then there remains only one thing for us to do," said the Professor.

"And that?" queried Walter.

"Get to the nearest settlement as quickly as possible."

"That would take at least a day or two, would it not?" inquired Tad.

"Yes, I believe so."

"Then why not let me try--at least make an effort to recover our
things? Why, just think of the amount of stuff we are losing,
Professor."

"But the risk, Tad. No, I cannot assume the responsibility--"

"I'll take the risk of all that. The only danger will be up here. I