“We must get him out, Tom.”
“Yes, but how will we do it?”
“We must get down there on top of the ledge, and dig an opening.”
“That’s right. I guess we can get down there. Let’s try it, anyhow.”
They began making their way down the side of the creek-bank. It was now slightly sloping, and there were projections and indentations sufficient to give them foothold, and presently they stood on the top of the heap of earth that had lodged on the ledge. They looked to see if they could see any signs of the entrance, and near the top of the pile of dirt they found a small opening, which they judged was near the top wall of the cave itself. Dick placed his mouth close to the little opening and called out:
“Hello, in there. Are you all right?”
“Yes,” was the reply. And then in an eager voice came the query: “Is that you, Dick?”
Dick uttered an exclamation of amazement. “Great Guns, Tom,” he cried. “I believe that is Ben, in there!”
“What!” exclaimed Tom. “Why, I left him at the encampment.”
“Is that you, Ben?” called Dick.