“Oh, I am so sorry!” cried Danny, as he helped her to get her balance again.
Instantly, however, his attention was attracted to the opening Mary Louise’s fall had uncovered. It seemed to be a carefully excavated hole and they could see no bottom to it.
“No wonder,” said Mary Louise, “that my slipper completely vanished.”
Just as she spoke they both leaned forward tensely as a quick flash of light came directly in their faces as they gazed down. It came again as they leaned near.
Quick as a flash Danny leaned over the opening. “Uncle Jim?” he called, his voice trembling with shock and excitement.
“Good boy, Danny!” came O’Hara’s voice, muffled by the earth, but sounding strong and hearty, to Danny’s great relief. “You saw the flash of my lantern?”
“Listen!” quickly continued the voice from the cave. “I’m safe enough, so don’t worry, but I have some important papers to deliver to the government. Danny, I must get them off to-night. Is there any way you can return and meet me?”
As Danny stood in thought, Mary Louise touched his arm. “Couldn’t we take you almost here, Danny?” she asked; “Just so they wouldn’t hear the engine. It’s dark to-night, and you could hide in their big motor car perhaps.”
“It’s like you to think of it,” said Danny, admiringly, “and of course I can.”
He repeated the plan to O’Hara below.