"Cheerful," he remarked. "After all, there is no danger, it's only the discomfort, and all true Scouts make light of trivial matters like this. It's another all-night business: that's my opinion."
"Atherton!" shouted Green, his voice rumbling down the tube-like passage.
"Hulloa?"
"Our light's gone out. Is the water falling?"
Atherton struck a match.
"I'm sorry to say it isn't," he shouted in reply.
"Then it's no use waiting there. Come back to us. It's mighty cold and we're precious hungry."
"I can't feed you, Green, and if you're cold jump about a bit and flap your arms. I'll be with you soon."
After giving this advice, Atherton began to walk along the now familiar tunnel. Ere he had covered a hundred paces he was surprised by the sound of a sharp detonation, followed by shouts of alarm on the part of his two comrades.
"What's up?" hailed Atherton.