Jack went on again, closely followed by the other three Scouts. The tunnel widened for a short distance, then became so narrow that they scarcely had space to squeeze through.
“We’re coming to steps,” Jack advised those behind him. “I can see daylight too.”
A few yards farther on, and the beam of his flashlight focused upon large slabs of rock imbedded in the hillside. The Scouts climbed at a sharp angle. Then, just as the missionary had promised, they found themselves in a cave with ceiling so low that they could not stand upright.
The exit to the cave was blocked by stones which at first seemed firmly fixed. But after Willie and Ken had worked a while, they were able to roll them aside and crawl out onto a narrow rock shelf overlooking the sea.
“Come on out!” Willie called jubilantly to the others. “The view’s great!”
“Any sign of the villagers?” Jack asked, switching off his flashlight.
“Nary a sign,” chuckled Willie. “I guess we outwitted ’em.”
Before crawling down from the ledge, the Explorers carefully replaced the pile of stones at the exit to the cave.
The task accomplished, they cautiously descended the steep slope, took their bearings, and returned to the hotel without encountering anyone.
There they learned that Mr. Livingston anxiously had awaited them for nearly an hour.