Betty and Ruth had hidden their faces in the Captain's skirt, as if this would defend them from danger. But Julie and Joan stood their ground beside the Captain, trying to peer in advance of their position to see what the form could be.
"Maybe he is murdered," ventured Julie, causing the others to shiver again.
"No--he moaned, so he is not dead. I must find out what is the matter," replied the Captain, bracing herself for the unpleasant task.
"He may be hoaxing us like Hepsy did--better call to him and tell him we haven't a jewel or a cent with us," cried Ruth.
But the form remained inanimate. Not another sound was heard other than the cries and talking of the scouts.
Mrs. Vernon went over slowly, keeping the electric light directly upon the form. The two other girls held their candles so that the footpath showed distinctly, as they walked beside the Captain. Ruth and Betty clung to each other where they had been left standing.
"Here! Get up!" ordered Mrs. Vernon, pushing the body gently with her foot.
But there was no sound or motion from the form.
The coat had been removed, but the undergarments looked like good ones, so Mrs. Vernon stooped down the better to see. The right arm was so bent upwards that it covered the face, and it seemed as if the man was sleeping that way.
"Wake up! Do you hear me?" called the Captain, again.
The fearful quiet was the only effect of the second demand, so then Mrs. Vernon carefully removed the arm from the face.
"Oh!" shrieked Julie and Joan, falling back suddenly, and even the Captain cried with horror.
"Help! Help!" screamed Ruth, not sure of what was happening to her friends.
But the movement of the arm must have caused an instance of consciousness in the man, as he made another faint sound like a sigh or a moan.
"Girls, something has happened to this man, and we have to use our scout-sense to try and carry him out to the air," said Mrs. Vernon, turning to the girls.
"Oh, dear me! I'm afraid to go any nearer. He may die if we move him," said Joan, fearfully.
"He'll surely die if left here alone. It may be days or even weeks before any party again visits this Cave," said Mrs. Vernon, emphatically.
"How terrible! We just can't let him die, then," admitted Julie.