Hal also stood up and took his position. Chester clambered up and again explored the covering with his fingers. At the first touch there was another shower of earth.
"Won't take a whole lot to move it, I guess," he said.
"Hurry, then," enjoined Hal. "The air is stifling down here."
Chester himself felt that he was suffocating and realized the need for haste.
"All right," he said. "Here's hoping we're not crushed to death. Down when I give the word."
Again his fingers found a hold and he braced himself for the shock.
"Down!" he cried suddenly.
Hal dropped.
A second time came the dull rumbling from above as Chester swayed to and fro in his precarious position. Then the lad felt the covering give. One instant longer he hung on, for he felt that he would have no strength for a third attempt should this fail.
And then, with a roar, the mass of debris above came tumbling down.