It was black as ink in the passage, but the boy's flashlight had
recently been supplied with a new battery, and he knew that it
would not fail for many hours, so he walked along with confidence.
In perhaps a quarter of an hour the boy came to a blank wall.
There appeared to be no way in which the journey could be extended
under the hills. The nearest lateral passage was some distance
back.
Realizing that no time should be lost, the lad hastened thither and
advanced to the south end of the cross passage. Here, too, he came
upon a blank wall. While he stood listening a heavy, rumbling
voice came to his ears. There were either crevices in that rocky
bulkhead or the wall was very thin.
Presently the heavy voice ceased speaking, and then a lighter tone
was heard. At first Will could not distinguish the words used, but
directly his heart almost bounded into his throat as he listened to
Tommy's voice saying:
"I'll break your crust, you old stiff, if you come near me!"
So the boys were still in a position to defend themselves! Will
beat frantically on the wall and threw his light hither and yon in
search of some opening through which his voice might be heard.
Directly there came an answering sound from the other side.
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