“That’s true,” answered the smaller boy, and his face took on a more hopeful look.
Once more they moved forward, until a small wall six feet high barred their progress.
“See, here is an upper shaft,” said Frank. “And I think I can feel fresh air.”
“Can we get up there?” asked Darry.
“To be sure we can.” Frank placed his torch in a safe place. “Let me boost you up first, and then you can help me up.”
This was done, and they found a large chamber spread before them. From a great distance, down another tunnel, they saw a faint streak of light.
“Hurrah! I see light ahead!” cried Frank. “Come on!”
“It must be an opening,” echoed his companion, and was quick to follow in the footsteps of the young book agent.
Presently they reached a large, circular opening. The flooring was smooth and the ceiling was a good twenty feet over their heads. Near the center of the top was an opening three feet in diameter, through which the light was pouring.
“There is the opening,” said our hero, as he came to a halt, and pointed upward.