If there were such a thing here as a subterranean tide, it had not risen.

There was no water where the lake had been.
Gazing across the empty basin, the captain felt a strong desire to go over, climb up to the opening, and discover whether or not the cavern was accessible on that side.

It would be very important for him to know this, and it would not take long for him to make an investigation.

One side of the rocky shelf which has been before mentioned sloped down to the lake, and the captain was just about to descend this when he heard a cry from the passage, and, at the same moment, a shout from Mok which seemed to be in answer to it.

Instantly the captain turned and dashed into the passage, and, leaping over the barrier, found Maka standing near the entrance.
As soon as the negro saw him, he began to beckon wildly for him to come on.