One of the gang less unfeeling than the others, gave Monteagle a biscuit, and a drink out of his flask, which tended to relieve him somewhat.
‘What think you, Maretzo,’ said Blodget, drawing the Italian aside, after they had recovered from their fatigue, ‘is there any more use wasting our time with this chap?’
‘I fear not,’ replied Maretzo. ‘He is now so weak that he would probably faint under any fresh torture, and insensibility would baffle us.’
‘Then we must be off. Brown was to try to find out, by some other means, where the money was placed, and if he has succeeded, we must be on hand before daylight to get hold of it. For the absence of Monteagle may excite suspicion, and our sport be spoiled.’
‘What shall we do with our prisoner? Knock him on the head, and give the crabs a feast?’
‘No. Brown has some old scores to settle with him. You had better stay here to-night with him, and in the morning I’ll ride out here and report progress.’
‘Be it as you say. I shall not be sorry to have a few hours rest,’ said Maretzo.
‘But how are we to get out of this trap?’
‘You can easily get out of here on the side opposite to that by which we entered. By following the beach awhile you will strike a road that leads over the hills to the City. By that road return in the morning. I’ll be on the look out for you!’
‘Pick up, boys,’ cried Blodget, and in short time they had departed, piloted by Maretzo, leaving Monteagle alone in the cavern.