Jack thought quickly. Putting his lips to the ear of each of his companions in turn, he whispered:
"Wait till I get Tom and come back. Then we'll make our way to the entrance."
Each signified by the pressure of a hand that he understood. Certainly it would not do to have the enemy escape and thus cut them off in the cave!
Slowly, carefully, noiselessly, Jack wormed his way to the rear and when he considered he must be in Tom Bodine's neighborhood he began whispering in a tone that could not be heard more than three feet away:
"Tom. Tom. Tom."
A hand gripped his leg. A voice whispered so low it was barely audible to him:
"That you, Jack?"
"Yes. Listen."
Running a hand over Tom Bodine's body, Jack found his ear and, as he had done with Bob and Frank, set his lips to it. He explained his purpose to gain the entrance to the cave and prevent being bottled up. Tom nodded approval, and Jack was about to return to his companions when he suddenly thought of the radio room beyond, and its possibilities. It would never do to leave that unguarded. Their enemies could telephone the Calomares ranch. Then, even if the boys escaped, their identities would have become known at rebel headquarters. Their chances of rescuing Mr. Hampton would go glimmering.
Once more Jack set his lips to Tom's ear and explained the situation.