It seemed entirely necessary to go back to the camp, however, so Clara undertook to guide them to the place.
From the first Dick felt his doubts about her being able to do it, for she turned away from the lake after they had advanced along the shore for a short distance and soon they were in a part of the cavern where it was so dark that they could scarcely see a foot ahead of them.
For an hour or more they wandered about.
For a long time Clara had been very silent, only speaking when one of the boys directly addressed her.
At length she stopped short, exclaiming:
“It is no use, boys. I can’t find the place. We are lost here underground!”
CHAPTER XV.
MR. MUDD TURNS UP AGAIN.
“Now, that’s all right!” exclaimed Dick. “Until you were ready to give up, Clara, I didn’t want to say a word, but I think I can pilot the way to the camp.”
“How, when you have never been there?” asked Clara. “Oh, I feel so ashamed of myself. I thought I could lead you straight back to it. Don’t be angry with me, Dick.”
“As though I could be,” exclaimed Dick. “You have done your best and now if you give it up let me have my try.”