Rapidly this order was obeyed, and soon none were left in the first compartment but Hal, Chester, Alexis, Stephan and Marquis.
Now Hal also dashed after the others. But the lad was not bent upon flight, leaving his friends to face the enemy alone. Quickly he hurried through the three compartments of the cavern, casting a keen eye here and there. Clear to the far entrance he went, and then turned back. As he made his way along, he stumbled over something and fell heavily. He was up in a moment, however, and glanced curiously at the object over which he had tripped. Then a smile lighted up his face. He made his way back to his friends.
“How many do you suppose there are out there?” asked Alexis.
“We have no means of telling,” replied Chester. “However, there are probably no less than two or three hundred.”
“If we stand here and fire as they attempt to enter, we may have some success,” said Stephan.
“Yes,” said Alexis, “but the detonations may occasion the falling in of the cavern. At the first shot from outside a piece of falling rock grazed my shoulder.”
“We must do something quickly,” said Hal. “We cannot leave without striking at least one blow at them.”
“Assuredly not,” agreed Alexis. “I have a plan.”