"Ah, the cave!" he repeated. "I thought that the cave was your special abhorrence, Esther. How came you to be there all alone to-day?"
"I came after you," answered Esther. "I heard somebody groan and call for help."
"Did you know who was calling?"
"No, the voice sounded so muffled and strange."
"I wonder you weren't afraid, you timid little mouse. Suppose it had been some great, rough smuggler fellow, such as used to live in that cave long ago!"
"But I knew he was hurt; he was groaning and calling for help."
"And that gave you courage?"
Esther hesitated.
"I don't think I felt very brave, but I knew I ought to go."
"Why ought you?"