"They can't get out! There's been a cave-in and the tunnel is jammed up with rock."
"Good!" exclaimed Gus exultantly. "Here! Hand me that light."
There was a moment of silence. Then the powerful lantern was evidently turned toward the mouth of the tunnel, for the light gleamed on the walls. As they were just around the bend in the passage, the boys could not be seen, but the glaring light was reflected from the rocks.
"They're out of sight," muttered some one. "Try a shot!"
Instantly, there was an explosion, as a revolver roared. The echoes were deafening in that confined space.
Something whizzed past Frank's head and smacked against the rock.
The bullet, aimed for the rock wall, had ricochetted across the bend and had missed him by a hairbreadth.
This was too close for comfort. The revolver crashed again, and there was a cry from Joe.
"Are you hurt?" asked Frank anxiously.
"No. But the bullet glanced off the rocks. I think it went through my sleeve. It sure was close."