our crowbars under the slab. It might be worth while to drill holes
a foot apart, from the point where we have begun to the other end of
the room. Of course if we found that gravel and stones were everywhere
under the slabs we should learn nothing; but the opening to the
chambers is probably covered by another stone, and if we found that, we
could put in one or two more holes so as to be sure that it was flat,
in which case we might smash it somehow. Of course, if we don't come
upon a flat stone we shall conclude that they put a layer of sand and
fine gravel over the slabs covering the vaults, and must then, as I
say, get up one stone and gradually lift all the rest, clearing out the
gravel as we go to the depth of a foot or so. In that way we shall make
sure that we shall not miss any chamber there may be.

"I think that would certainly be the best plan. At present we are
groping altogether in the dark, and it will take us a fortnight at
least to make that row of holes close to each other, as you propose."




CHAPTER XVIII

DISAPPOINTMENT


Six more days were spent in driving holes according to Harry's plan.
The result was in all cases the same. Sand and small stones were
brought up attached to the grease. They had now sunk the holes at a
much more rapid rate than at first, for they were accustomed to the
work, their muscles had hardened, and they were able to strike more
frequently and with greater force. They would have got on still more
quickly had it not been for the trouble in sharpening the drills. These
were heated in the small blacksmith's fire Dias had brought. They were
first placed in the fire, but this was not sufficiently hot to raise
them beyond a dull red glow. When this was done a shovelful of glowing
fragments was taken from the fire and placed on the hearth, and among
these the small bellows raised the ends of the drills to a white heat,
when of course they were easily worked. At first they had some
difficulty in tempering them. Sometimes, when cooled, the points were
too soft, at other times 