For that had occurred upon which they had not for a moment counted. They had seen the party of men pass them, and it never struck either that this was not all, till they stood beneath the opening in the act of throwing the grapnel. Then, plainly heard, came a boisterous laugh, followed by the murmur of voices.
They looked at each other aghast, as they saw that their escape in that direction was cut off. There was no seeking refuge among the bales, and in despair the grapnel was thrown down in its place; while, in full expectation of seeing more of the smuggler crew come through the fissure, they were hurrying back to the inner cave, when Vince turned and caught up the conger club and the heavy oaken cudgel, holding both out to Mike to take one, and the latter seized the club.
Enemies behind them and enemies in front, they felt almost paralysed by their despair and dread, half expecting to find the party that had ascended already back. But on reaching the dark cave all was perfectly still for a few moments, during which they stood listening.
“Think we could find a better place to hide in here?” said Mike, in a husky whisper.
“No; they had that lanthorn with them.”
“But if we shuffle down in the sand again?”
“It’s of no use to try it,” said Vince sharply. “Once was enough. We must try the seal cave.”
“Then why did you come in here?” whispered Mike petulantly.
“Because you were afraid to go into that black hole in the dark.”
“And so were you,” said Mike angrily.