Willie nodded. “Couldn’t find a canoe or a balsa,” he reported. “If we had more time—”
“Sure, if we just had more time,” Ken echoed.
Sorely beset, he hesitated in making a decision. As he turned over various plans in his mind, Jack came into sight. Greatly relieved that the crew leader had returned safely, Ken grasped his hand. “Learn anything, boy?” he demanded hopefully.
“The path leads to a solid wall of rock. But get this! I found a gap that looks as if it may be a tunnel. I didn’t dare take time to investigate it.”
“Not the hidden city you were sure you’d find, Jack?”
“That passageway may lead to it, Ken! I could hear natives close by, yelling and chanting. Couldn’t see anyone though.”
“What’ll we do?” Ken demanded. “Here we are on the verge of an important discovery, but our situation is desperate. If we try an escape by river, we’re not even certain of having a balsa.”
“We could hide out for a day and hope Hap will get stronger.”
“Our supplies are low now,” Ken said, frowning. “Another thing, once the natives take after us, they’ll try the river first of all. How far away is this tunnel through the rocks?”
“Close by, Ken. It’s a steep climb though.”