Let's take it out." There was a circular space in the centre of the stone, about eight inches in diameter, which seemed to be covered with resin.

After a few minutes' work with the jack-knives this substance was loosened and came out in two parts, showing a bowl-like depression in the slab, which had been so cut as to leave a little bar running from side to side of it.
"A handle!" cried Ralph.
"That is what it is," said Captain Horn.

"If it is intended to be lifted, I ought to be able to do it.

Move down a little with the lantern, and give me room." The captain now stood on the top of the mound, with the slab between his feet, and stooping down, he took hold of the handle with both hands.

He was a powerful man, but he could not lift the stone.