"You go and see how my niece is, do you hear? And see if you can get Lazy to come back for a minute with you."
The Minion sped away on mercury feet, and I crawled to the Skipper's assistance. Together we released the lad and made him comfortable. I will not weary you with details. Suffice it to say that, after we had given him some of the liquor, he sat up, dazed, it is true, but thankful. He did not speak, but I saw that his cheek was wet. He was little more than a child, and it would have taken a much stouter heart than his to suffer what he had suffered and make no sign. I arose unsteadily to my feet and tried to aid the lad; but the Skipper told me to go on ahead, saying that he would support young Trevelyan. As we dragged ourselves to the entrance of the chamber, we met the Minion coming in.
"How is she?" asked the Skipper anxiously. I was no less so. I gazed on him with bated breath.
"Dead——" drawled the boy.
The Skipper staggered against the wall of the cavern, throwing young Trevelyan to the floor.
"Faint," said the Minion, completing his sentence. I was weak, but I raised my foot and gave the young villain a vicious kick.
"Ain't to yet," added he, as he was propelled toward the opening.
"Hold your jaw!" roared the Skipper. And then to me: "I want to get back to her, Jones. Help me, if you can."
He then turned to the Minion. "You go back and put out that light, do you hear?" said he.
I have spent too long a time over these incidents, but it is no slight thing to have been to the gates of death in such company, and its dread experiences will remain with me while life shall last. I followed the Skipper and his young charge over and down the hill, and, finding the opening, I entered. It was early morning now, and I easily discovered the archway. It was black as ever inside, but I pushed through the passage and, on entering our chamber, came face to face with the Bo's'n. He started when he saw me.