I felt very much disposed to stop him, but while I was hesitating there was the old scuffling noise, and I could mentally see Bob Hampton shuffling in the opening above the cases, and soon after there was a grunting and panting, followed by a low muttering in the hole.
“What d’yer say, messmate?” whispered Barney.
Pat!
“Here, I say, mind what you’re arter,” cried Barney, angrily. “You kicked me right in the chin. I don’t want my teeth loosened that how.”
“Why, he’s a-comin’ back,” growled Neb.
For the shuffling and rustling was continued, and the next minute Bob Hampton was back and lying along the casks.
“Couldn’t you get any farther?” I said, feeling greatly relieved at his return.
“No, sir. Neb’s two sizes too large for the place, and I’m one size. I got as far as he did, and if I’d moved a bit farder I should ha’ stuck.”
“Yer didn’t go as far as I did.”
“Yes, I did, mate.”