eless, came to the correct conclusion that some one must
be awaiting Long Orrick near at hand, and felt convinced that the
Smugglers' Cave must needs be the rendezvous.

Hastening cautiously to Bax, whose station was not far distant from the
cave, he communicated his suspicions, and they went together towards the
place.

"I'll go in first," said Coleman, "'cause I know the place better than
you do."

"Very good," assented Bax, "I'll stand by to lend a hand."

Arrived at the cavern, Bax waited outside, and Coleman went in so
stealthily that he was at Rodney Nick's side before that worthy had the
smallest suspicion of his presence. Indeed, Coleman would certainly
have run against the smuggler in the dark, had not the latter happened
to have been muttering savage threats against wind and tide, friends and
foes, alike, in consequence of the non-appearance of the boat.

Seizing him suddenly from behind, Coleman placed his knee in the small
of his back, forced him almost double, and then laid him flat on the
ground.

At the same moment Bax knelt by his side, put one of his strong hands on
the smuggler's right arm--thereby rendering it powerless--and placed the
other on his mouth.

So quickly was it all done that Rodney was bound and gagged in less than
two minutes. Coleman then ran out just in time to receive the first
instalment of the brandy, as already related. Being much the same in
build and height with Rodney Nick, he found no difficulty in passing for
him in the darkness of the night and violence of the wind, which latter
rendered his hoarse whispers almost unintelligible.

In this way several kegs of brandy, boxes of cigars, and bundles of
tobacco were landed and conveyed to the cavern by Coleman, who refused
to allow Bax to act as an assistant, fearing that his great size might
betray him.

On the fifth or sixth trip he found Long Orrick waiting for him somewhat
impatiently.

"You might have brought a hand with ye, man," said the latter, testily.

"Couldn't git one," said Coleman, taking the keg that was delivered to
him.

"What say?" cried Orrick.

"Couldn't git one," repeated the other, as loudly and hoarsely as he
could whisper.

"Speak out, man," cried Long Orrick, with an oath; "you ain't used to
have delicate lungs."

"I couldn't git nobody to come with me," said Coleman, in a louder
voice.

The tone was not distinct, but it was sufficient to open the eyes of the
smuggler. Scarcely ha