But before entering the cleft, the captain stationed Maka at a place where he could view all the approaches to the plateau, and told him if he saw any snakes or other dangerous things approaching, to run to the opening and call him.

Now, snakes were among the few things that Maka was not afraid of, and so long as he thought these were the enemies to be watched, he would make a most efficient sentinel.
When Captain Horn had cautiously advanced a couple of yards into the interior of the rock, he stopped, raised his lantern, and looked about him.

The passage was about two feet wide, the floor somewhat lower than the ground outside, and the roof but a few feet above his head.

It was plainly the work of man, and not a natural crevice in the rocks.

Then the captain put the lantern behind him, and stared into the gloom ahead of them.