what their engineering corps was up
to."

This was said so dryly that in spite of his discomfiture Ben was
compelled to laugh.

"Yes, we've learned. The question is, now we are down here, how are we
going to get out?"

"Better make a light and see how deep the hole is first," replied the
commander of the first battalion.

Fortunately Ben had plenty of matches with him, and striking one, he
lit a bamboo stalk and held it up as a torch. By the flickering light
thus afforded they saw that the hole was about eight feet wide and
twice as long. The level of the road above was fully eight feet over
their heads.

"Looks as if we were in a box, eh, captain?" said the major, grimly.

"We're certainly in a hole," responded Ben. "But I think we can get
out without much trouble. I wish we had a spade."

"Well, wishing won't bring one, and there is nothing here to take the
place of one, either."

"Nothing but our hands. Here, if you'll hold the light, I'll see what
I can do."

"Here is a bit of a flat stick, try that," rejoined Major Morris; and
taking the article mentioned, Ben set to work with vigor, attacking
one end of the hole by loosening the dirt so that a large portion of
it soon fell at their feet. Standing upon the fallen portion he
continued his operations, and presently more of the dirt fell, leaving
an incline up which both began to scramble on hands and knees. It was
not a very dignified thing to do, but it was far better than to remain
in the hole, and besides, there was nobody at hand to comment on the
want of dignity in the movement.

"We are well out of that," began Major Morris, brushing off his
clothing as he spoke. "In the future--"

"Hold on, major, somebody is coming," interrupted Ben, and pulled his
companion back. He had seen a faint light advancing toward them, from
a side road which joined the main road at a point but a few yards
distant. Soon he made out a heavy cart approaching, drawn by a pair of
caribaos, or water buffaloes. On the seat of the cart sat two
sleepy-looking natives.

"We must stop that cart," was the major's comment. "If we don't, there
will be a bad smash-up."

"I don't think it's a good plan to expose ourselves," replied Ben.

"But do you want those chaps to break their necks?" demanded the
commander of the first battalion. "More than likely they are
_amigos_."

"I've got a plan for warning them, major."

As Ben spoke he picked up some of the driest of the grass an