not so terrible after all.
Caverns of this sort are always found among limestone hills, and they
usually have two outlets. This one is no exception to the rule, and I'll
tell you why I think so. In the first place you must remember that the
creek was nearly four feet high before that dam broke. The extra volume
of water is what makes this terrific current through the cavern and the
very fact that the water goes on through without damming up proves to me
that it has an outlet.

"When the creek is at its normal level I don't believe any water flows
into the cavern at all, and even with a four foot raise I don't think
much goes through. It was the first rush of the flood that carried us
into the hole. And now do you see what I am driving at? As soon as the
back water from Honck's dam has spent itself--and it can't take very
long--the stream in front of us will become shallow, and then all we
need to do is to follow it down to the outlet. It probably cuts across
some bend and re-enters the creek. And we have penetrated such a
distance from the mouth that the outlet can't be far away. I can't swear
to all this, Nugget, but I am pretty well convinced that I am right. A
very short time will settle the question one way or another."

"I hope what you say will come true," replied Nugget dolefully. "This is
a horrible place to be in. It gives me the shivers to think of it. But
if all the water runs out, won't we have to leave our canoes behind?" he
added quickly.

"We won't wait that long," said Ned. "Don't be downhearted. There is
surely a way out of this cavern, and we'll find it. Our situation might
be far worse than it is. We have matches and a lantern, and there are
crackers in my canoe."

"Are there?" exclaimed Nugget eagerly. "I think I'll eat a few. You're
an awfully good fellow, Ned. I don't feel half as bad now."

"It's a good sign to be hungry," replied Ned laughingly. He brought some
of the crackers, and both ate them as they sat side by side on the
sand.

CHAPTER XXXIV

DESPAIR

In the course of an hour Ned's prediction began to be verified. The roar
of the flood ceased entirely, and the water receded from the beach until
the stream looked as shallow and quiet as a meadow brook. Ned waded
clear across to the opposite wall without going over his knees.

"The flood from the dam has spent itself. I'm afraid we'll have to wade
through and pull the canoes after us. I can see shoals and ledges not
far be