Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/283

Rh He could not suppress a cry of consternation. The two Englishmen had vanished!

"They are gone!" he called to his companions.

"Gone!" repeated Phil and Roger.

"Don't tell me that!" fairly shrieked Giles Borden. "I must catch them and get back my money!"

"Where did they go to?" asked Billy Dill, as he pushed through the curtain of vines.

"They must have left the cave by some other opening," answered Dave. "Come on, we'll soon find out!" And into the cave he rushed, his chums and the others in the crowd following.

"I see another opening!" cried Merwell, a minute later. "Look!" And he pointed down a passageway to the right.

"That's the way they must have gone!" exclaimed Giles Borden. "After them, all of you! If I get back my money, I'll reward you well!"

And on he sped, with Merwell close at his heels and the others following.

"I don't know if we are on the right track or not," said Dave, to Phil and Roger. "This cave may have other openings."

Hardly had he spoken when there came a yell from Giles Borden, followed by a cry from Link Merwell. Both had fallen into a small hole that was filled with water. Each was much shaken up, but unhurt.