ans took that away from me when they searched us."

"I have two matches," said Harry, "but I don't want to waste them.
Perhaps it will be a long time before we get any more, and I feel that
we ought to save them if possible."

"Maybe we can find some stuff here dry enough to make a fire with, and
that'll give us light!" suggested Jack.

"Good idea!" responded Ned. "The place feels dry enough."

"Let's keep hold of hands and move slowly about," put in Harry. "In
that way we won't be separated and may find just what we want."

Acting on this suggestion, the boys clasped hands and moved slowly
about, feeling their way cautiously with their feet. They seemed to be
in a cellar with a solid stone floor that had been made quite smooth.

"Here's something!" exclaimed Harry as his foot struck a small object.
"This feels like a piece of wood."

"Here's my knife; let's whittle some shavings," offered Jack.

In a short time the boy had succeeded in producing the desired shavings
from the board Harry had discovered. Gathering these carefully in his
hands, he held them ready to receive the flame from Harry's match. All
three lads eagerly gathered closer together as Harry prepared to strike
the match that would give them the desired ability to see. Harry's
hand trembled a trifle in spite of his effort at self-control. His
first effort was unsuccessful.

"Careful, Harry," admonished Ned. "Better strike it on your shoe sole.
That makes a better match scratcher than your trousers."

"Correct!" observed Jack. "And go easy," he added. "We have only two,
you know. If anything should happen, you understand--"

"Yes, I know," answered Harry. "That's why I'm trying to be extra
careful. I'm just as anxious for a light as you are."

"The rats are coming closer," observed Jack, a slight quaver
perceptible in his voice. "I don't want them to start anything."

"All right now, Harry; lean on me a bit to balance yourself," urged
Ned. "Make sure this time, and get it in your cupped hands."

"Here goes!" announced Harry, lifting one foot and striking the match
upon the sole of his shoe. "Here comes the light!"

But, contrary to expectations, the light did not come, although the lad
tried again and again.

"Try the other match, Harry; maybe this one got wet somehow and won't
work," suggested Jack, stepping closer.

"I have tried them both," declared Harry in a faint voice.

"What's the matter, then?" demanded Jack exc