Directly Tommy turned on his electric. The little flame revealed no presence there save that of the boys themselves. They searched every nook and corner of the place, believing it impossible that the two men could have escaped. At last, however, they were forced to the conclusion that once more they had lost track of the object of their search.
"But where did they go?" demanded Tommy.
"I guess that's what no fellow can find out," replied Will.
The boys continued their search in the hope of finding the passage by which the two men had escaped. At last they came to a small opening in the floor of the cavern which apparently led to a cavity farther down.
"They didn't wait for the elevator!" laughed Tommy. "Shall we go down after them?" asked Sandy.
"I think we'd better get back to the cabin." Will argued. "It must be after ten o'clock now, and George may be in trouble for all we know."
"Three times and out!" exclaimed Sandy. "The next time we catch sight of the Little Brass God, we'll sure get out fingers on it!"
"I'd be happy just now if I could get my fingers on something to eat!" Thede declared. "I'm about starved!"
"We've got a few sandwiches, if they'll do any good," suggested
Will.
"If they'll do any good!" repeated Sandy. "You bring 'em out here and we'll see whether they will or not."