An awful noise followed, and the loose dirt flew in all directions. For a minute all were greatly confused.
“Are you boys hurt?” was the first question asked by the assistant teacher.
“I’m all right,” said Pepper.
“So am I,” added Jack.
“Where is Dale?”
“He slipped back, the way he had come.”
“Dale! Dale!” shouted the teacher. No answer came back to the summons.
“Perhaps he was killed!” gasped Pepper.
“Oh, don’t say that,” came from Jack. “Dale! Dale!” he went on loudly.
Still there was no answer, and now all became thoroughly alarmed. George Strong moved over to the rock that had fallen and examined it with care.