"And how will that answer for the Red Cave?"
"Red Cave!" said Phelan, pausing suddenly in his preparation. "Is it Red Gap Cave you're thinking of going to, sir?"
There was a sound of uneasiness in the boatman's voice.
"Yes. Isn't it the largest? Isn't it the one they say has never been explored?"
"Ay, sir. It never has been explored fully, and I don't suppose ever will--for what would be the good?--and it isn't over agreeable in there, with its windings and twistings, I can tell you. I don't mind much about the Red Cave itself; but, Mr. O'Brien, it's only a little bit beyond the Whale's Mouth, and you have some queer notions about that cursed place; and, mind, I'll have nothing to do with it for love or money."
"I didn't say anything about the Whale's Mouth," said O'Brien, in a tone of irritation. "I asked you how is the tide for the Red Cave? Can't you answer a simple question?"
"The tide is always right for the Red Cave," answered Phelan, sullenly. "You can always go into it when the water is smooth."
"Very well. I'll expect you on the strand by the rocks in an hour;" and saying this, O'Brien left the cottage and set out for the hotel.