Page:The House On The Cliff.pdf/200

 "What!" he exclaimed. "What's that you say? Police?"

"Down the lane!" gasped the man. "They came down the road in a car and they're closing in on the house. I saw them."

With a yell, Snackley flung the man to one side.

"Down into the cave!" he roared. "Quick!"

Confusion prevailed. In the resulting uproar the match went out and the room was plunged into darkness.

Frank resolved on a daring move. He was standing directly beside one of the smugglers, and as soon as the light went out he sprang at the fellow, dashing the revolver from his grasp. It clattered on the floor.

"Help!" roared the fellow, as they grappled together.

Fenton Hardy had also been watching for his chance, and he sprang through the darkness at Snackley. He collided heavily with the chief of the smugglers and they rolled on the floor in a desperate struggle.

It was impossible to distinguish friend from enemy in the darkness. Joe plunged into the midst of the surging figures and his fist smashed against the face of one of the smugglers, who gave a howl of pain.

Then, outside the house, another uproar burst forth.