ch that they had become completely confused.

Since Herb was the slightest, he was hoisted up on Bob's shoulders and
they began the stumbling tour of their prison. It seemed ages before
Herb's glad cry announced a discovery of some sort.

"I've found a handle," he said. "Steady there, Bob, till I give it a
pull."

CHAPTER XII

GROPING IN DARKNESS

Herb tugged gently and gave another yell of delight when whatever was
attached to the handle yielded grudgingly to the pull.

"It's the trap door, fellows!" he cried. "Move over a bit, Bob, till I
pull the thing down."

Bob, who, about this time, was finding Herb's weight not any too
comfortable, moved over, and, in doing so, stumbled, nearly pitching
himself and Herb to the floor.

As it was, Herb lost his balance and leaped wildly. He landed on his
feet and reached out a hand to find Bob.

"Of all the tough luck," he groaned. "There I had the thing in my hand
and now we've gone and lost it again."

"Sorry. But stop your groaning and get busy," Bob commanded him. "I
haven't moved from this spot, so if you get up on my shoulders again you
ought to be able to get hold of the handle easily enough."

So, hoisted and pushed by Joe and Jimmy, Herb finally regained his perch
and felt for the handle. He found it, and this time pulled the door so
far open that the boys could see through the opening in the barn floor.

"If somebody can hold that door," panted Herb, "I think I can get
through this hole. Grab hold, boy. It sure is heavy."

So Joe caught the door as it swung downward and Herb scrambled through
the aperture. Bob gave a grunt of relief as the weight was taken from
his shoulders.

"You're next, Joe," Bob was saying when Jimmy came stumbling up,
carrying something that banged against Bob's legs.

"I've got it," he panted. "Had an idea I might find something like it.
Trust your Uncle Jimmy----"

"For the love of butter, what are you raving about?" interrupted Joe,
and Jimmy proudly exhibited his prize.

"A soap box," he said. "And a good big one, too. If we stand on that we
can reach the opening easily."

"Good for you, Doughnuts," cried Bob, joyfully seizing upon the soap
box. "This beats playing the human footstool all hollow. Jump up on it,
Jimmy, and see how quick you can get out of here."

Jimmy needed no second invitation. He scrambled up on the tall box, and
by stretching up on tip toe could just manage to get his fingers over
the edge o