Page:Tom Swift Among the Diamond Makers.djvu/200

190 behind which we can take refuge if those fellows do discover our hiding place."

This was conceded to be a good idea, and soon a rude sort of fort was made, behind which the adventurers could take their stand and fight, if necessary, though they hoped this would not come to pass.

They remained quietly in the cave the remainder of that day, and, when it was night, as they could tell by their timepieces—there was no daylight—they divided the hours into watches, taking turns standing guard.

Morning, at least in point of time, came without any disturbance, and they made a cold breakfast. They hoped that Bill Renshaw would come, but he did not appear.

After sitting in the dark cave until afternoon, Tom said:

"I think we might as well go and take another observation of the big cave. We can tell what the men are doing, then, for they don't seem to have been near us. Maybe they have given up the search for us, and we can see them at work, and Mr. Jenks can gain what further knowledge he needs."

"That will be a good plan," agreed the diamond man. "It's maddening to sit here, doing nothing."