“Well,” said Hal, “near my bunk are two hand grenades. My idea is this! Place them close to the fallen roof where we have been digging, come back here and pot them with our revolvers. The explosion should blow the roof off.”
“Or bury us a little deeper,” said Chester grimly.
“Of course,” said Hal. “However, it’s the only chance I see. What do you say?”
“Try it, of course,” said Chester promptly. “It’s the only way. Get out your bombs.”
Hal did so, and a moment later he had placed them to his satisfaction.
“Guess I can hit one in the dark,” he said. “Hug down close, Chester.”
Chester did so and Hal made himself as small as possible. A moment later there was a sharp report, followed by a heavy explosion.
CHAPTER III
NEW FRIENDS
Hal’s last conscious moment was filled with the roar that followed his shot aimed at the hand grenades in the far corner of his underground tomb. When again he was able to realize that he still lived his first thought was of Chester, who had been near when he pressed the trigger of his automatic in his desperate attempt to escape.
The lad was very dizzy as he staggered to his feet. First he felt himself over carefully. He found he uninjured except from shock.