“Suppose he gets us,” objected Crull.
“What if he does?” inquired the old man. “You’ll all be in for it, if he gets away. The police will be on your trail in no time — and the whole secret service, in addition.”
Birdie Crull held a rapid discussion with the others in the farmhouse. The parley resulted in agreement with Isaac Coffran. Crull told the old man that they would attack immediately.
* * *
It was a desperate group that entered the tunnel from the farmhouse. Birdie Crull led the way, carrying the only available small arm. Blair Windsor and Vernon followed, each armed with a rifle. The weapons had been obtained in the farmhouse. Jerry remained by the entrance.
Once the expedition had begun, the intrepid Bert Crull became filled with courage and confidence.
“He won’t expect us back,” he whispered. “Sneak through softly. Stay behind me. Do everything I tell you.
“We’ll get him this time. The old man would have got him, but he picked up the wrong gun.”
They saw a light at the end of the tunnel. The Shadow had evidently found the switch which illuminated the cavern.
“This makes it better,” whispered Crull.