ch refreshed by their sleep, but somewhat stiff from the dampness
and the unaccustomed work of the evening before, they proceed on their
way, still climbing upward and still in a darkness, that was only
partly dispelled by the feeble glare of the torch, which was now
growing alarmingly small.

"The light won't last more than a couple o' hours," said Leroy.
"Perhaps we had better split the stick in two." This was done, and
thus the feeble light was reduced one-half.

Would the caves never come to an end? Such was the question Larry
asked himself over and over again. Was it possible that they were to
journey so far only to find themselves trapped at last? The thought
made him shiver, and he pushed on faster than ever.

"Do you know what I think?" said Leroy, an hour later. "I think we are
moving around in a circle?"

"A circle?"

"Ay, lad. Don't you notice how the passageway keeps turning to the
right?"

Larry had noticed it. "But we are going upward," he said.

"True; but who knows but what we'll be going downward presently."

Still they kept on, but now Larry's heart began to fail him. They had
progressed so far, had made so many turns, that to get back would
probably be impossible. The caves were so vast one might wander about
in them forever--if one's food did not give out. Larry shivered again
and clutched the precious kettle of stew tighter than ever. He was
once more hungry, but resolved to wait until the pangs of hunger
increased before reducing the stock of food.

The passageway was now level for a considerable distance, with here
and there a rock to be climbed over or a crack to cross. Both had just
made a leap over an opening several feet wide when Leroy set up a
shout.

"What is it?" asked Larry, eagerly.

"Put the torch behind ye, lad, an' look ahead. Perhaps my eyes deceive
me," answered the old sailor.

Larry did as requested, and gave a searching look up the passageway.
No, there was no mistaking it--there was a faint glimmer of light
coming from what appeared to be a bend. He, too, gave a shout, and
both set off on a run.

As they sped onward the light became brighter and brighter, until the
torch was hardly needed. They were running side by side, each trying
to gain the outer air first.

"Look out!" suddenly yelled Leroy, and caught Larry by the arm. The
old sailor could hardly stop, and had to throw himself flat, dragging
the boy down on top of him.

A few feet beyond was an opening