CHAPTER XXII.
INTO THE BOWELS OF THE EARTH.
"Farvel!" exclaimed one and another of the boys, and Dick felt for his pistol.
"What shall we do—let the feller see us?" demanded old Jacob.
"Would that be wise?" queried the Englishman.
"I should calkerlate not."
"Then let us get out of sight with all possible speed," put in Don.
Not far away was a gloomy looking recess and into this they made their way. The torches were extinguished, leaving them in absolute darkness.
"Don't walk about," cautioned Dick. "If you do you may take a nasty tumble."
The caution was unnecessary, for the intense darkness made everybody stand as still as a statue. Listening, they heard Joseph Farvel moving along slowly. Then by the aid of the advancing lights, they saw he was accompanied by both of his former negro companions.
"Ha! what is that?" muttered the man sud-
