“Hallo!” I shouted in reply.
“I’ve found it!”
“Found what? The passage?”
“Yes. Right here. Can you see the candle?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Well, it is right in front of me; but it is as dark as pitch inside. Wait a moment; I will reach in as far as I can and see if I can see anything.”
He did so; and immediately, fluff!—out went the candle, and I heard him exclaim, “Hi! B-rrr! Get out!”
“What is it?” I shouted.
“Bats. A dozen of them. They flew right into my face.”
“I say, Percy,” I called down to him, “can you stand without the rope?”