The search was continued and ended, for the ledge was shut in by the mighty wall of rock towering above their heads, and the lieutenant was soon convinced that it was impossible for any one to climb that without tackle from above.
“Come back aboard,” he said. “You two stop and guard those prisoners.”
The sailors stepped back into the boat and resumed their oars, to row steadily east for about half a mile, past several shallow caves, but they could not see one likely to become a hiding-place for smuggled goods, and the rock rose higher and higher above their heads, precluding all ascent.
The boat was rowed quickly back past where the prisoners sat contentedly enough; save the cow, which kept making the great rock wall echo with her lowings, while three more of her kind now stood on high, gazing down at her plight.
The lieutenant now had himself rowed west for about the same distance, but in this direction they did not pass a crack in the great rock wall, let alone a cave, and once more the gig was rowed back.
“Get back into your boat,” said the little officer sharply.
“Thank ye, sir,” cried Ram. “Come along, Jemmy. Find your little barrels?”
“Come aboard, my lads,” continued the lieutenant, without replying to the question. “Make fast her painter to the ring-bolt here.”
This was done, a fresh order given, and, with the rough boat and cow in tow, the gig began to make slowly for the cutter.
Ram bent his head down in the boat.