“We’ll soon know.” Penny started into the cave only to have Louise clutch at her hand.
“Don’t be silly, Penny. We have no flashlight.”
“But we can’t let that beachcomber get away. We want to learn what he does.”
“I can bear up without knowing.”
“Well, I can’t,” Penny announced with equal firmness.
“But it may be dangerous. Let’s go back to the hotel and get Jerry or your father.”
Penny hesitated, then shook her head. “You stay here if you like, Lou,” she replied. “I’m going inside.”
Before her chum could detain her, she stooped low and crawled into the narrow, dark tunnel.
CHAPTER
12
CAUGHT BY THE TIDE
Unwilling to be left behind, Louise followed her chum into the dark cavern. Once she and Penny were well beyond the yawning mouth of the cave, they could not see a foot ahead of them. Guided by the sound of rushing water, they groped their way along a damp wall.