“‘Allies,’” said Ralph promptly.
“Halt!” cried the leader.
“Advance!” came back; and directly after, the two lads were face to face, comparing notes.
“Began to think you were Purlrose’s men,” whispered Mark.
“And I that you had not come.”
“Been here some time, and the lads are all lying down. Now then, what are our plans? I want to get to work.”
“March together in single file, about five yards apart, straight for the cave. Get within fifty yards, halt, and let two advance softly to reconnoitre.”
“Can’t do better,” said Mark softly. “But we must keep very quiet, in case any of them are out marauding.”
“Yes, of course. When we get up to the mouth of the cave, we must halt on one side, light our torches, and rush in. We must leave it to the men then.”
“Oh yes; they’ll do it. They’ve all got their blood up. We must succeed.”