"We certainly can't remain here inactive," the doctor argued. "We've got to go one way or the other, and I think the chances are better toward the west!"
"It will soon be good and dark," cried Tommy, "and then we'll have to make some kind of a camp for the night."
"I've got a searchlight with me," suggested Frank.
"So've I," answered Tommy.
"I'll tell you one thing we forgot," Sam cut in. "You didn't make Jamison give up your automatics!"
"Don't you ever think we didn't," Tommy answered. "That is," he continued, "the officer made him give them up. At least he brought them back when he came from the jail!"
"Seems to me," Tommy added, looking at Frank critically, "that you've got some kind of a drag with the people at Cordova."
"Never mind that now," Frank replied. "What we need now is some kind of a drag to get us across this chasm."
The electrics illuminated only a narrow path, but the boys and the doctor made fairly good time as they advanced toward the west.
After walking at least a mile and finding no narrowing in the surface opening, the boys stopped once more for consultation.