“Then we must defend ourselves!”
“Just so; our chances are as good as theirs, and we have an advantage in having no life-lines to bother us. Come along, we might as well meet them half way!”
Poole and his men, for there were now four of the divers in the cavern, had caught sight of Frank and Wade.
It could be easily seen from their actions that they were frantic and would present a hostile front. But Frank and Wade gripped the handles of their axes and marched steadily on.
In a few moments they were near the other divers. One of them was recognized as Poole.
The villain was the personification of fury. He swung his ax aloft and made a rush at Frank.
His companions did the same. It was fortunate for our friends that they did not come to close quarters. They evaded the attack, for they could move more easily.
Frank’s purpose was to get out of the cavern. He knew that if they were hemmed in there, their fate would be sealed.
So he motioned Wade to follow him, and, parrying Poole’s attack, hurled one of his foes back and with a swift rush gained the object. Wade came close behind him.
Once outside the cavern the danger was over. The rascals could follow them but a limited ways.