sed, and still there
seemed to be no end.

"One satisfaction, we are gittin' farther away from the church,"
observed Stover. "I can't hear nuthin' now."

"Nor I, Poke. But did you notice how wet the passageway is getting?"

"I did, lad. We must be nigh to a spring or else the river."

They went on again, but not for long. A hundred feet further and they
walked into water up to their ankles.

"We are blocked," groaned Dan. "What if we can't get out this way?"

"I reckon ye had best strike another light."

This was no easy matter with their clothing and everything else so
damp. But finally the light was struck, and they pushed on into the
passageway until the water was up to their waists.

"We can't go much farther," said Dan soberly. "Do you think this leads
to the river?"

"I do; but I can't say how far off the stream is. Let us go a little
farther."

A couple of rods were covered, and they sank down until the water was
up to Dan's neck.

"If I go any further I'll have to swim," he observed, and just then the
candle slipped from his hand and fell into the water, leaving them in
total darkness.

As there seemed nothing else to do, they moved back to the nearest dry
spot and sank down to rest and to consider the matter.

"We can stay here for several days, if we wish," said Stover. "We have
got enough to drink."

"Yes, but I've had nothing to eat since last night."

"Neither have I. But I'd rather go hungry nor fall into them greasers'
hands."

"If the river is ahead we ought to see some light, Poke."

"That's true,--if it's daylight outside. But it may be night."

"Well, we can watch."

And they did, first one going down into the water, and then the other.
It was indeed night, and it yet lacked several hours to daylight.

At last Dan came back with a smile on his face.

"I swam a short distance down the passageway," he exclaimed, "and I saw
a faint light. I am sure it leads to the river."

"Then let us try our luck."

"Can you swim with that wounded shoulder?"

"I can swim with one hand, lad, although I allow it will be slower work
than with two hands."

"Then come on. If we can get away, the sooner the better," returned the
boy, and led the way into the water once more. They walked as far as
they could and then began to swim. Stover insisted on taking the lead.

"I'm used to scoutin'," he said. "We don't want to run in no hornet's
nest."

The water now reached almost to the top of the