[CHAPTER V.
THE DANCE OF DEATH.]
“God help us!” exclaimed Prof. Easy, as he saw the strange inhabitants of the underground place rushing for them from both front and rear.
But “God helps those who help themselves,” and both Leo Malvern and Dick Vincey were fully aware of this. They made up their minds that they would not be killed or captured until they had used every effort to drive away their enemies.
Brave, young fellows! But what could they hope to accomplish against such fearful odds?
Martin Haypole was the only man they had to stick to them now, as both the professor and Lucky at once threw down their weapons when they observed the horde approaching through the passage.
“Keep on firing!” shouted Leo, “and when they close on us use your revolvers.”
“No—no!” replied the professor; “let us surrender. It is the best thing to do, I think.”
“Never!” exclaimed Dick, and his reply was echoed by his cousin and the intrepid Yankee.
Nearer approached the swarming savages, and presently our friends were hemmed in from all possible means of escape.
It seemed that every man that fell had two or three to take his place.