ate we will try it; but we
must take our boots off so as to get a better hold on the rocks,
beside we shall make less noise. Blunt and Jervis, do you go down to
the other entrance again. It is likely enough that they may try to
make a bolt that way if they hear us coming. Keep a sharp lookout down
there, and be sure no one escapes."

"Don't you think, Captain O'Connor, that it will be a good thing to
enter from there also the moment a row is heard going on within. Their
attention will be taken up with your attack, and we may get in without
being noticed."

"That's a very good idea, Conway; and you shall carry it out. Take two
more men with you, and make your way in as soon as you hear us
engaged. But remember that it is quite possible we may not be able to
get down. This passage may get almost perpendicular presently; and
though I mean to go if possible, even if I have a straight drop for
it, it may close up and be altogether impracticable. So don't you try
to enter till you are quite sure they are engaged with us, otherwise
you will be only throwing away your life."

"I understand, sir," Ralph said as he turned to go off. "If you get in
you can reckon on our assistance immediately; if not, we shall make no
move."

Ralph now took up his station at the mouth of the cavern with his six
men, and lay down just in front of the opening listening attentively.
He could hear a continued murmur as of many voices.

"Get ready, lads, to follow me the instant you see me dive in," he
said. "I am sure by the sound there are more than four men in there,
and Captain O'Connor may want help badly."

Grasping a pistol in his left hand, and his sword in his right, Ralph
listened attentively. Suddenly he heard a shout, followed by a volley
of imprecations, and then the discharge of a gun or a pistol.

In an instant he threw himself forward along the low narrow passage.
He had not gone more than three or four yards when he found that it
heightened, and he was able to stand upright. He rushed on, keeping
his bead low in case the roof should lower again, and after a few
paces entered a large cabin. It was dimly illuminated by two torches
stuck against the wall. In a moment a number of figures rushed toward
him with loud shouts; but before they reached him two of the soldiers
stood by his side.

"Fire!" he shouted as he discharged his pistol, and at the same moment
the soldiers beside him discharged their muskets.

A moment later he