for, of all things, there can hardly be a more desolate sight than an
abandoned stone-quarry, where the weeds and thistles have grown up,
and puddles of water abound.

Of course, the boys all stared, as they slowly wound along the road
in full view of the entire panorama that was being unrolled before
their eyes. They noted how in places there seemed to be deep
fissures along the abrupt face of the high cliff. These looked like
caves, and some of them might be of considerable extent, judging from
their appearance.

"If this great old place chanced to be nearer town," said K. K.,
managing to get a quick glimpse, although, as a rule, he needed all
his attention riveted on the rough road he was trying to follow, "I
reckon some of the fellows would have high times exploring those same
holes in the hill."

"It's just as well then it's as far distant as happens to be the
case," Hugh told him; "because the doctors in Scranton would have
broken arms and legs galore to practice on. That same old quarry
would make a dangerous playground."

"Oh!"

That was Julius uttering a startled exclamation. He gripped Horatio
so severely by the arm that he must have pinched the other. At any
rate, Horatio gave a jump, and turned white; just as though his
nerves had all been stretched to a high tension, so that anything
startled him.