On looking back beyond the first boat’s crew, the head of the second crew could be seen as they reached the top of the zigzag path, where the boatswain waited till the last man was up, and then gave the word for them to double after their fellows.
Seeing that he was so well supported, the master felt that he was ready for any force the smugglers might have to back them up, and, turning to Archy, he suggested that the midshipman should point out the way into the smugglers’ cave, and then leave them to do the work.
“It will be time enough to talk about that, Mr Gurr,” said Archy rather breathlessly, “when we have found the place.”
“But I thought you had found it, my lad!”
“After the tricks played us, I shall not be certain until I see you all right in the cave.”
“But you think it’s close here?”
“Yes; unless I am quite wrong, the old quarry is in that great cliff where the grass runs right up to the edge.”
“Then if it’s there, and those fellows have gone in, we’ll find the way, and go in too.”
“Oh!” ejaculated Archy, stopping short.
“What’s the matter, lad?—hurt?”