In such a case they were beyond earthly aid. But Frank did not believe yet that such was the case.
He hoped to find both alive, though possibly unconscious, at the bottom of the pit. But first of all it must be opened.
So he drew his hatchet from his belt and began work. Randall did the same.
Their purpose was, if possible, to split the big cake of ice and thus open up the trap. They worked hard and fast.
With rapid blows Frank quickly cut a deep channel into the ice block. Deeper it grew, and Randall advanced to meet him.
Then one united blow cracked the ice-block. They put their shoulders to it and hurled it down the slope.
CHAPTER XII.
WHICH IS THE END.
As they did so both nearly fell into the cavity. They clung to the edges desperately.
Then, recovering, they saw that a dark hole yawned beneath them. How deep it was they could only conjecture.
But Frank shouted: