people, one of whom was carrying something
weighty on his shoulders.

This soon resolved itself into four kegs, slung two and two, the bearer
panting under their weight, while his companion held the light low down,
so that he could see where to plant his feet and avoid the corners of
the huge square pillars which supported the roof.

Neither of the pair seemed to pay any attention to him; in fact, the
midshipman was doubtful whether he was seen as he stood back waiting
till they had passed him, and then hesitated as to whether he should
make for the entrance and escape.

Through the black darkness, not knowing which way he should go, perhaps
to fall down some shaft such as was sure to be in a place like this?
No; he could not risk the journey without a light, and he stood waiting
and trying to make out the shadowy figures, one of whom looked strangely
uncouth beneath his load, while the other was quite short.

Archy had not long to wait before the pair halted by the stack of kegs,
to which the four carried by the man were added, and this done they
turned and came toward him.

At this moment, after excitedly watching them, the midshipman became
convinced.

The bearer of the lanthorn was his young enemy--the boy.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

Raystoke looked round him for a weapon, but the only thing visible was a
stone, and not feeling disposed to descend to such a barbarous means of
offence or defence, he drew himself up, burning with indignation, but
waiting for the others to commence speaking.

He had not long to wait.

"Hullo, sailor!" cried Ram; "like some milk?"

"You rascal!" burst out Archy, taking a step toward the lad, but feeling
directly a strong hand upon his arm to hold him back.

"What's the matter?" growled the owner of the hand.

"The matter will be that you two will be hung at the yardarm some fine
morning. How dare you shut me up in this hole?"

"Hung for shutting you up here?" cried the boy. "We shall have to hang
him then, Jemmy, after all."

"Ay, lad," said the man. "When'll we do it; now?"

"Now!" cried the midshipman. "Do you think you are going to frighten me
with such talk? Show me the way out of this place directly."

"Ram, lad," said Jemmy Dadd, with a cackling laugh; "when yer ketches a
wild thing, and puts him in a cage, he begins to bang hisself agen the
sides, and knocks his head agen the bars, and if he could talk he'd go
on just like that 'ere. Then you keeps quiet, an