For a few moments the air was white with dust about the girls as they huddled together, choking and gasping.
“That’s—just—bats!” gasped Jo Ann at last, as the air became clearer. “We frightened—them.”
“You mean—they—frightened us,” corrected Peggy. “Aren’t we brave, though?”
“I’ll admit I was startled at first,” acknowledged Florence. “I couldn’t imagine what those horrid flapping things were.”
Before venturing any further they looked anxiously all around, but to their relief they could see no more of the terrifying little creatures.
“Which way shall we go?” asked Jo Ann. “Straight ahead, or shall we see where this side tunnel leads?”
“I’ll tell you what to do,” suggested Peggy. “While you and Florence explore that side passage, I’ll wait here in this main tunnel. That way you can’t get lost—and if you get frightened, just call me, and I’ll answer so you’ll know how to get back.”
“Are you sure you won’t be afraid?” asked Jo Ann. “We won’t be gone long.”
“Why, of course I’m not afraid,” bragged Peggy. “Anyway, there’s nothing to be afraid of—except those miserable bats, and we’ve frightened them away.”
“All right, then,” agreed Jo Ann. “You be sure to stay right here.”