"Why, captain, you are like Columbus! You have discovered a new hemisphere." "It is like one of the great ant-hills of Africa," said Mrs.Cliff, "but, of course, this was not built by ants I wonder if it is possible that it can be the abode of water-snakes." Edna stood silent for a few moments, and then she said, "Captain, do you suppose that this dome was entirely covered by water when the lake was full ?" "I think so," said he.

"Judging from what I know of the depth of the lake, I am almost sure of it." "Ralph!" suddenly cried Mrs.Cliff, "don't try to do that.

The thing may break under you, and nobody knows what you would fall into.

Come down." But Ralph paid no attention to her words.

He was half-way up the side of the mound when she began to speak, and on its top when she had finished.
"Captain," he cried, "hand me up the lantern.