“Smugglers’ caves?”
“Oh, no; little places where you couldn’t row in, but where anyone might hide.”
“Ah, that’s better,” said the officer. “You’ll do that?”
“Of course I will,” said Aleck; and after a short visit to the house Aleck led the boat’s crew and their leader across the cliff and down the rough descent, feeling greatly relieved on finding that there was not a fisherman’s wife in sight, for he was pretty certain that his appearance in company with their enemies might prove to be a very uncomfortable thing.
In due time the beach was reached, and the keepers of the sloop’s boat backed in to allow the officer and crew to get aboard, after which there was an order or two given, and then they rowed out a short distance and, keeping in as close as possible, visited cave and crevice for about half a mile, landing wherever it was possible, sometimes climbing over weed-hung slimy rocks, sometimes wading, and then returning to continue the search in the opposite direction far past the entrance to the Den, before rowing back after an exhaustive search.
The officer gave the word to stop as the entrance to Aleck’s boat haven was reached, and, under guidance, rowed and poled up till he could land.
“Thank you for all you’ve done, youngster,” said the lieutenant; “it has been a barren search, but I shall give up for to-day. Maybe I shall look you up again. Meantime I hope you’ll keep your ears open, and if you can pick up anything worth having hoist a white tablecloth or sheet on your boat’s mast on the top of the cliff, if it’s by day, and if it’s night, burn one of the blue lights I’ll leave with you. Neither of these things will be fighting against your neighbours the smugglers, but only helping us to find our midshipman and making more friends than you know. You’ll do this for us?”
“Of course,” said Aleck, eagerly.
“Hand out three of those blue lights, coxswain! Next time we come, squire, I’ll bring you a rocket or two. There; thankye, and good day!”
“Good day,” said Aleck; “but can you make your way out?”