“The three went forward, till the cave became so narrow that they could scarcely drag themselves farther. In one place a little chink in the roof let in a faint ray of moonlight from above.
“At length they could get no farther, and Morgan, turning his head, said, ‘It’s a false scent, after all; the cave leads nowhere!’
“But at that moment over their heads they heard a sound of feet, and presently of voices. At first they could distinguish nothing, but after a while Morgan’s ears caught some words.
“‘Pray, master, get you to bed for this one night. The scoundrels can do nothing till the morning.’
“‘I need no rest, I tell you,’ said another voice, sternly. ‘How stands the provender, Peter?’
“‘It will last three days, master; and the shot will hold out for two. The water, alas! is already exhausted.’
“‘Ah! And my child—how is she?’
“‘In good heart, master; she was sleeping like a child as I passed her room just now.’
“Morgan could forbear no longer. He turned quickly to his men and said, in a loud voice, which might be heard by the unseen watchers overhead, ‘My torch has gone out. Crawl back, one of you, to the rest and bring another, for if the castle is to be fired to-night—’
“There was a startled movement above, which told him his object had been gained. The voices grew silent, and the footsteps moved suddenly. For a moment his two companions did not comprehend what had happened. But it flashed on them soon enough, and they were ready for the emergency.