"We have been so much alarmed about you." added Mrs. Pottle. Ethel gave a sigh of relief.
"There was something, or somebody," said Bob quietly.
"A Russian?"
"I don't know. Whoever he was, he is gone. He fell over a precipice at the far end."
"Oh, how dreadful!" exclaimed Ethel. "Mr. Fawcett, you are quite pale. Did you—is there—"
"Don't be alarmed," said Bob. "I have been right through the cavern now. It is open at the other end; and to make sure that you are not startled again, Ah-Sam and I will build a barricade across the cavern, so that it will be impossible for anyone to reach you from the rear. When it is light I will explore again, and find out who the intruder was."
"I hope you killed him outright," said Mrs. Pottle.
"I could not fire. He was gone before I knew, and—"
"And you nearly followed him! Oh!" Ethel covered her face with her hands.
"You are pale, Mr. Fawcett," said Mrs. Pottle. "What would I give for a little brandy! I really cannot allow you to risk your life any more. I should never forgive myself if I led you into any harm. As soon as it is light, I will give myself up to the Russians; I will indeed, I am quite resolved; this cannot go on any longer. I see how selfish I was; but for us women you could have got away."