“And when the lights are all out, what then? How are we to find our way?”
“By touch,” cried Oliver. “One of you must creep along by the side of the river and feel the way from time to time.”
“Come along, then,” cried Panton, “but it does seem too hard to go and leave the poor fellow.”
“He’s not going to be left,” said Oliver, quietly.
“What do you mean?” cried Panton.
“I am going to stay.”
“Then I shall stay with you,” said Panton, firmly. “I’m not going to leave you in the lurch.”
“You are going to do as I tell you,” raged out Oliver. “Go, and don’t lose the chance of saving the poor fellow’s life. Quick! Off!”
“Let me stay with you, sir,” growled Smith.
“No, man, go!” cried Oliver, and without a word, Drew led off with the others following and the faint rays from the candle shining on the rocky wall, with a very feeble gleam. Then as Oliver watched, it appeared like a faint star on the surface of the water, making the young man shudder at the thought of some terrible subterranean creature existing there ready to attack him as soon as the last rays of the candle and the steps had died out.