u're the outlaw who stole
Bert, and they know that you haven't any more right to the cabin than
they have. You'll go sticking your nose around that domicile some time
and get it knocked off! It's a two to one bet right now that they know
that you've caught George and I in some kind of a trap."

"Let him alone," advised George. "What's the use of starting anything?
He can make us trouble if he wants to!"

"Run along now," continued Sandy. "We were having a quiet little snooze
when you butted in. It's all right this time, but don't you ever do it
again. Here's hoping you remain away until morning!"

Cameron was heard to pass through the outer caverns and all was still,
about the place. Notwithstanding the assumed lightheartedness of the
boys, they realized that they were in a serious situation.

"I'm going to dig this stone out!" declared Sandy shortly after the
departure of the miner. "I believe we can move this beautiful door if we
go at it right. Come on and help me push."

The boys pushed with all their might, but the stone was firmly blocked
on the outside, and could not be moved.

"It's after five o'clock," George said looking at his watch, "and if we
do anything tonight, we'll have to do it right away. What time did Tommy
say he would be back with the doctor?"

"There was some talk about his being back early in the evening," replied
Sandy. "And that gives me an idea!" the boy continued.

"Pass it out!" said George.

"First," Sandy said, hesitatingly, "let me ask a question. Do you know
how the boys are going to get in from the coast? What I mean is, have
you any idea which way they will take on leaving Katalla?"

"That's all a guess," replied George.

"They may come this way, though," suggested Sandy.

"Yes, if they keep straight to the north until they strike the valley of
this little creek and then turn east to the cabin, they'll be apt to
pass this way."

"Here's hoping they do," Sandy said fervently.

"I don't see how that will help," George complained. "We're shut up in a
hole, and might yell for a thousand years without being heard."

"Just you wait a minute," Sandy advised. "Let me see that searchlight of
yours. Have you the red and blue caps with you?"

"They're right at the end," replied George. "Just unscrew that cover and
take them out. I thought you knew where to find everything connected
with an electric searchlight!"

Sandy unscrewed the false cover at the end of the battery case a