noon
Near the entrance to the cave they found some leaves and dead tree branches which were still dry , and these they dragged inside and then made themselves a campfire . `` I reckon we 'll have to cut out going any further , '' announced Spouter . `` Even if the storm clears away , the trail will be very wet and slippery . '' It still lacked an hour to noon , and with nothing else to do the boys tethered their horses and then proceeded to investigate their surroundings . From the campfire they obtained several torches , and with these in hand they moved along slowly around the bend of the cave and over a series of rocks which led upward . `` It certainly is a larger cave than I supposed , '' said Jack , as he and Gif led the way , with the others close behind . `` I think I see a light ahead , Jack , '' was Gif 's remark .