The other was a rangy man of about twenty-six, keen and
shrewd-looking, and had the appearance of an American. Evidently he
was the guardian of the cave. And it was he who had moved to draw his
weapon when surprised. A tough customer and one to be watched, thought
the boys.
"Face about," ordered Jack.
They obeyed.
"Keep them covered, Tom," Jack then commanded. "Well search them."
With weapons held ready, the three boys advanced. At that moment, the
caretaker of the cave took one step forward and instantly the lights
in both rooms faded out and the cave was in inky darkness.
He had pressed a button in the floor, switching off the lights.
The boys were so taken by surprise that for a moment they did not
fire. Neither did Tom, for fear of hitting them as they were in front
of him. This gave their three enemies an opportunity to shift position
and fling themselves prone.
When after their surprise, the boys did fire, their bullets merely
pinged against the distant wall and did no damage. But the flash of
their weapons betrayed their positions and answering bullets came
uncomfortably close. One swept Jack's hat from his head.
From behind them Tom Bodine's revolver spoke, as the enemy thus
betrayed themselves.
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