“I know there were a lot of huge subterranean caves discovered in 1909,” Gale answered. “But I don’t know in what part of the state they were. Phyllis, look!” The last words had come with a gasp of incredulity.
They were closer to the cave now and could clearly see the man who stood in the opening. He was gazing away from them, toward the other side of the valley.
“One of the bank robbers!” Phyllis gasped.
The man, as though he had heard her, turned and looked in their direction. The next minute he had turned and disappeared into the cave.
“C’mon,” Phyllis said excitedly, “let’s see where he goes.”
The girls covered the few remaining yards to the cave in a run. Once at the cave, caution overtook them. The desperado might be lying in wait for them, and it would be well for them to proceed slowly and carefully.
As they entered the mouth of the cave, darkness, black and impenetrable, dropped on them like a cloak.
Chapter V
PURSUIT
Gale’s left hand clasped tightly in that of Phyllis and with Gale holding her gun tightly and ready for instant action should the need arise, the two walked forward. They tried to make as little noise as possible, but though they walked on tiptoe, the sound echoed back to them dully. The ground underfoot was rough and uneven. On both sides of them the earth walls were damp and cold. The air was heavy and musty and the girls shivered as they tried to walk bravely forward. From up ahead of them came a sudden sound as of a boot heel striking against stone.
“There he is!” Phyllis said in a sharp whisper. “What’ll we do?”