CHAPTER XIV
BURIED ALIVE
'You cannot stay here alone,' said Jack; 'I will remain with you.'
'You must rejoin your men. Leave me. Your way is to the mouth of the Axe, and mine—I will go along the beach till I reach the path to the station—no, I dare not go that way. Some of the angry and disappointed men might meet and question me—Why out at night? I would confess nothing, but they might suspect something and search along the shore and find this rent. I will climb up by the way I came down, and get home as fast as may be, after I have got the kegs rolled into the cave and concealed.'
'I do not like to desert you here at this hour.'
'Time with you is precious. With me it is only a matter of concern to relieve my mother's anxiety and alarm should she chance to wake and miss me.'
The young man laid his hands on the girl's shoulders.
'Winefred, I shall never forget what you have done for me to-night. I cannot find words in which to thank you, but my heart is full.'
'Well, go.'
'Good-night, Winefred. Henceforth we are no mere strangers, but friends.'