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.




CHAPTER IX

TWO HUNGRY BEARS

The Little Brass God was gone!

George, still lying upon the floor of the cavern, stretched his
legs and arms, to see if he was all there, as he mentally commented.

After a time he arose to his feet, clinging desperately to the wall
because of his weakness, and called to Thede, who, as the reader
knows, had left hours before, in search of the injured lad's chums.
There came only echoes in reply to his shouts.