He stopped and looked rather earnestly at Esther, and then said,—
"What was it that took you into the cave to find Mr. Trelawny on Saturday?"
"I heard him groan and call out. The sound came through the chimney."
"Did you know who it was?"
"No; but it was somebody who wanted help."
"I thought you were too frightened to go into underground places. Didn't you once tell me so?"
Esther's face crimsoned over, but Pickle broke in,—
"That's what I said just now; but she went because she thought it was her duty."
"I thought somebody wanted help, and it would be unkind not to," said Esther, hanging her head.
"But you were afraid?"