Page:The House On The Cliff.pdf/158

 just have to cart it all the way down again, My motto in this gang is to do just what Snackley tells me and no more."

"I guess you're right. We'll just bring up the dope."

To the relief of the boys the man turned away and went back to the other side of the chamber. They could hear a rustling sound. Then came the words:

"Well, we've got it. Let's go back up."

The switch snapped and the cavern was steeped in darkness immediately. It was a darkness immeasurably welcome to the lads crouched behind the boxes. They began to breathe more easily. They heard the door close and then they could hear the footsteps of the two men as they ascended the stairs in the passageway.

When the footsteps could be heard no more, Frank switched on the flashlight with a sigh of relief.

"That was a close call. Gosh, but I was sure they had us."

"We wouldn't have had any chance with that pair. You can bet your life they carry guns.

"Well, let's follow them."

"I'm with you. We know we're on the right track."

"And we know we're liable to blunder right into the whole den of smugglers if we don't