here the magneshy was burnt. Billy
ahoy-y-y-y!"

But there was no answer, and they stood in a little group appalled by
the knowledge that their lights would not last many minutes longer.

"Here--quick, Smith, you have some more candles?" cried Oliver.

"Not a blessed one, sir. Billy Wriggs has got what there is left in his
jersey."

The truth forced itself upon them now with horrifying force that they
had done wrong in making this attempt so badly provided, and in trusting
so fully to Panton, who in his eager enthusiasm had gone too far.

One thought was in every mind, would they ever be able to find their way
out of this terrible darkness when the last ray of light had failed?

CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

IN THE GROSS DARKNESS.

Panton's conscience smote him, and he could not speak, for he felt that
he was to blame for their trouble. But Oliver Lane rose to the
occasion.

"Quick," he said, "all candles out but one. Keep yours, Drew, and the
other can be relit when it burns down."

In an instant there was a darkening of the scene of gloom, and the young
botanist held up his dim yellow light a little higher.

"Now, then, what's to be done?" he said, huskily. "Hail--hail, all
together," cried Oliver, and he was obeyed, but the echoes were the only
answers to their cries.

"Poor old Billy! Poor old Billy!" groaned Smith.

"Silence, there!" said Oliver, sharply. "There is only one thing to do.
You must get back to the entrance as quickly as you can, and then make
for the brig to fetch lights and ropes."

"But it seems so cruel to go and leave the poor fellow without making
farther search."

"You cannot make farther search without lights," cried Oliver, angrily.
"Quick! you are wasting time. Go at once while your lights last."

"And when the lights are all out, what then? How are we to find our
way?"

"By touch," cried Oliver. "One of you must creep along by the side of
the river and feel the way from time to time."

"Come along, then," cried Panton, "but it does seem too hard to go and
leave the poor fellow."

"He's not going to be left," said Oliver, quietly.

"What do you mean?" cried Panton.

"I am going to stay."

"Then I shall stay with you," said Panton, firmly. "I'm not going to
leave you in the lurch."

"You are going to do as I tell you," raged out Oliver. "Go, and don't
lose the chance of saving the poor fellow's life. Quick! Off!"

"Let me stay with you, sir," growled Smi