"We are blocked," groaned Dan. "What if we can't get out this way?"
"I reckon ye had best strike another light."
This was no easy matter with their clothing and everything else so damp. But finally the light was struck, and they pushed on into the passageway until the water was up to their waists.
"We can't go much farther," said Dan soberly. "Do you think this leads to the river?"
"I do; but I can't say how far off the stream is. Let us go a little farther."
A couple of rods were covered, and they sank down until the water was up to Dan's neck.
"If I go any further I'll have to swim," he observed, and just then the candle slipped from his hand and fell into the water, leaving them in total darkness.
As there seemed nothing else to do, they moved back to the nearest dry spot and sank down to rest and to consider the matter.
"We can stay here for several days, if we wish," said Stover. "We have got enough to drink."
"Yes, but I've had nothing to eat since last night."