"We have got to get out!" said Mark, determinedly. "Come on, don't give up yet."
Growing desperate, they attacked the top of the cavern with vigor, letting the dirt and stones fall all around them. Then down came a big rock, just grazing Bob's head.
"I'm glad it didn't land on my head," said the boy, after leaping to one side.
"I see a streak of light!" ejaculated Mark and pointed upward.
The light was there, a single ray of sunshine, coming from a slit in the rocks. Mark sniffed the air.
"That is better, anyhow," said he. "With that opening we shan't smother to death."
They had now to work with greater care than ever, piling up the rocks around them, as a support for what was left of the roof of the cavern. But their labors told, and inside of another hour Mark was able to stand on Maybe Dixon's shoulders and drag himself up out of the cave to a shelving rock which kept the rest of the cavern roof from caving in. Then Bob came up, after which the two youths hauled the old miner up by means of the pick handle and a short rope that was handy.
"Thank heaven we are out of that!" said Mark, sincerely.
"We must look for Si," came from Bob. "Si! Si!" he called out. "Where are you?"
No answer came back. Then they looked toward the spot where the tent had been. The shelter was knocked flat, but otherwise the landslide had apparently done little damage in that direction.