rank," he told them.

Nobody asked why this must be done. They had learned the lesson of
implicit obedience to those in authority, as every scout has to do
before he can qualify for any honors, or medals, or rise from being a
tenderfoot to the place of a second or first-class scout.

Indeed, doubtless, most of the boys guessed the answer as soon as Ned
gave the order, for they were a quick-witted lot. They could reason it
out that the less illumination they caused, the more chance for them to
attain their end, which was to burst out of the back door of the mine,
and make their escape.

"I see it!" Jack exclaimed, as he caught sight of a dazzling mark ahead,
which must be the sunlight shining beyond the black tunnel or fissure.

The prospect of a speedy release cheered them wonderfully. It served to
even quicken their steps, though they had already been making fair
progress.

"Only one thing to bother about now, eh, Ned?" Frank asked.

"That's all," came the terse reply, for Ned was busily engaged keeping
his eyes fixed on the opening, that was gradually growing wider, and
possibly trying to make up his mind what chance there was of finding it
unguarded.

"If those three huskies are waiting beyond, ready to give us a volley
when we poke our noses out, we'll have a battle royal on our hands, let
me tell you," Teddy announced as his opinion.

There was nothing new in that, for all the others had guessed the same
thing, before he spoke. At the same time it caused them to clutch
their weapons with more determination than ever, after Teddy had voiced
their sentiments in this way. They were now so near the exit that Ned
first asked Jack to "douse his glim," and shortly afterwards followed
suit himself.

There was no further necessity for artificial light, since enough of the
natural kind sifted in through that opening.

Ned gave a word of caution just then.

"Carefully, now!"

They fairly crept up to the gap in the rocks, and looked out. It was
possible to see for some little distance beyond the opening. They saw
bushes, and piled-up rocks in abundance, behind which there might be
enemies hiding.

Ned turned to Francois.

"Find out if there is anybody waiting there, Francois!" he simply said,
knowing that the other was perfectly capable of doing what he was told.

It pleased the old voyageur to be called upon in a crisis. He
immediately crept forward on hands and knees. They saw him take his
slouch hat from