“It’s a hole, all right,” said Herb. “But do you think it’s big enough for us to get through?”
“We’ll get through it all right,” said Bob, grimly. “Do you suppose we’re going to get this near to the good old out-of-doors without going the rest of the way? Watch me!”
He began digging with his hands at the earth about the hole and the boys eagerly followed suit. But it did not take them long to realize that any attempt to enlarge the hole was hopeless. Beneath the loose earth was a solid foundation of rock.
They sat back on their heels, gazing at one another helplessly. Suddenly Bob spoke excitedly.
“Do you know what I think?” he said. “I’ll bet just about anything I own that this hole is the entrance to the cave that we’ve been wondering about so much.”
“I bet you’re right!” agreed Joe. “It’s just about the size and everything——”
“Well, all I have to say is,” interrupted Herb, “that if that’s the case, our prospects of getting out of here aren’t very hopeful. We’ve been trying for a long while to get in this hole and couldn’t. So I must say, I don’t see how we’re going to get out.”
“Sounds reasonable enough,” admitted Bob. “Only I have a pretty good idea we’re going to get out some way. You never know what you can do till you’re desperate.”
“Go to it,” remarked Herb pessimistically. “As for me, I think I’ll go back and see if I can’t find some other way out.”
“Better stay where you are,” advised Bob, as he took off his coat and thrust it through the hole. “Now I’ll make myself as small as possible and see what happens.”