They came out into one of the narrow open cuts, but there was little snow in it. However, a flake or two floated down to them, and they knew that the storm still continued to rage. The moaning of the wind in the tree tops far up on the hill reached their ears.
"Some storm, this," observed Tom.
"I should say it was! You don't suppose the folks will be foolish enough to start out hunting for us till it's over; do you?" Ralph asked, anxiously.
"They would better not. We're safe. They ought to know that. Preston will tell them about the caves in this end of the island and they ought to know we'd find one of 'em."
"It's a wild spot, just the same," remarked Ralph. "And I suppose mother will be worried."
"Ruth isn't afraid—nor Helen—nor the other girls," said Tom. "I think these Briarwood girls are pretty plucky, anyway. Don't you get to grouching, Rafe."
They pursued their way, Tom ahead with the lantern, for some rods further. Suddenly the leader stopped.
"Now what, Ruthie?" he demanded. "Which way do we go?"
The passage forked. Ruth was uncertain. She could not for the life of her remember having seen this spot before.
But, then, she and Jerry must have passed it. She had not given her attention to the direction at that time, for she had been talking with the backwoods boy.