I did not reply, for I was hard at work trying to devise some plan of thwarting him and at the same time of effecting my escape.
Finding that I remained obstinate, they left me lying bound and helpless, with a pannikin of water within a foot of my face, having previously moistened my lips with salt water.
I was indeed in a very tight fix. The cave was about ten feet in height, but owing to a sharp bend I was unable to see how long it was, or in what direction it dived into the rock. Unless one knew of its existence, he might search the ledge above for hours without being aware that its mouth yawned ten feet beneath. No doubt when I was missed a search would be made for me, with the result that it would be supposed that I had fallen over the edge into the sea.
As I lay unable to stir hand or foot, my thirst grew intolerable, my tongue was parched, and my throat burned like a lime-kiln. Yet within a foot stood a vessel of water which, for the good it did me, might have been better out of my sight.
Away in the recesses of the cave I could hear my captors talking in eager tones, doubtless highly excited at their success, for 'twas certain that they thought I held the prized secret.
"Get it from him at all costs, then do as you say," I heard one remark.
"Hush! not so loud," replied another.
"Yet it must be done."
"I know; I'm not saying anything against that, so----"
Here their voices became inaudible, but in those few words I gathered the full signification of their intentions. When they had finished with me they meant to finish me in a very complete sense.