“There is cheer in your words, Mr. Reade,” he said. “I will not despair yet. Let us go back to the Kite.”
“All right.”
But the words were hardly off Frank’s lips when a startling thing occurred.
Suddenly from the cavern arches there came a mocking laugh.
Then the two adventurers were astounded to see dark forms flit from the shadows, and saw that they were surrounded by brigands.
For a moment Frank Reade, Jr., was at a loss how to act.
As for Harding, he was literally petrified with amazement and consternation.
Frank was the first to recover himself.
He swung his rifle over his shoulder and made a leap for the main passage, at the same time shouting:
“Quick, Harding! For your life!”