"Are you all right now?" called Donald.
"Yes. I'll be up in a minute. Good old boy," the last remark evidently addressed to the ape.
When Strong's head appeared above the edge of the shaft a couple of minutes later he was as pale as a ghost and when he at length came into the full light of the torches, it was seen that his hair was as white as snow. The fright had completely changed its color.
"Let's get out of here," he gasped as soon as he was helped to his feet. "I wouldn't go down into that place again for all the gold and silver in the world."
"It was pretty rough for sure," admitted Donald. "I just caught a glimpse as the torch fell among them, but it was so quickly extinguished by the wriggling mass I only shot once for fear of hitting you."
"It was the darkness that frightened me," Strong explained feebly. "If I hadn't let go my torch to hold on with both hands, I don't think I would have minded so much. But the darkness hid what was below and it just seemed as though they were right after me. I'd have been a goner sure if it hadn't been for good old Ambrosio," and he laid his hand affectionately on the ape's head.
"Do you think you'll be able to climb out of the mine?" asked Billie as they reached the main shaft.
"Yes, with Ambrosio's aid; but I'm going out first. I don't think I have nerve enough left right now to be the last out."
The exit from the mine was much slower than the descent had been, but in the course of an hour they were all once more out under the stars.
"What about the bandits?" queried Billie.