ding through the rocky arch into the
pool.

It was rather risky, for he was on a narrow slippery place at one of the
turns of the _zigzag_, and nearly lost his footing, but, darting out a
hand, he caught at the rock, recovered himself, and climbed on, to reach
the top just in time to see Ram's red cap disappearing some four hundred
yards away over a rounded eminence due west of where he stood.

He glanced down again, and then, breathless as he was, ran on over the
down-like hillside till he reached the spot where he had seen Ram's red
cap disappear, and here he stopped, to make sure of Mr Gurr seeing the
direction he had taken, standing well up with his sword raised above his
head in the bright sunshine.

There was nothing visible but soft green rolling cliff top, and he
looked vainly for some sign of the enemy, eager to go on, but taught
caution, and not knowing but what Ram might have taken one direction to
lure the pursuers away, while the men were in hiding in another.

But, as he waited and scanned the place around, he suddenly caught sight
of what seemed to be a rift against the sky in the edge of a cliff which
rose up rapidly, and his heart gave a great throb.

"Let Ram play what tricks he likes," he said, "I know where I am now."

"Well, my lad, well!" panted Gurr, running up, followed by the men.
"Don't say they've got away!"

"No," cried Archy excitedly. "I think I can lead you to the foxes'
hole. This way."

And, as he spoke, there came in rapid succession a couple of dull thuds
from seaward, and a cheer from the crew behind, as, led by Archy
Raystoke, the men now went over the undulating cliff top at a trot.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

The discovery of the way through the cliff made clear to Archy several
matters connected with the appearance and disappearance of Ram and his
companion with the boat, for upon more than one occasion it had seemed
impossible that they could have rowed six miles to the cove and come
back again. And, excited as the midshipman was, these ideas occurred to
him while running along over the top of the down-like cliff.

On looking back beyond the first boat's crew, the head of the second
crew could be seen as they reached the top of the zigzag path, where the
boatswain waited till the last man was up, and then gave the word for
them to double after their fellows.

Seeing that he was so well supported, the master felt that he was ready
for any force the smugglers might