ved Dale right; but, all the same, it was a disagreeable
sensation to the rest to feel that this sly Greek had been in all
probability keeping a stealthy watch upon them and their movements.
They inwardly resolved to be very much more circumspect in their goings-
out and in their comings-in for the future; and they lost no time either
in communicating this resolve to each other.

All day long their thoughts were busy upon the subject of the gold mine;
and by the time that they got back to the cottage that evening each man
had an idea in connection with it to communicate to the others. They
were unanimous upon one point, which was that--after Ralli's remark to
Dale in the morning, and the _espionage_ which it seemed to suggest--it
would be most unwise for any of the male portion of the party to visit
the cave _during the day_. Henceforward their visits there would have
to be as few and far between as possible, and such visits as were
unavoidable must be made during the night. With the women it would, of
course, be different. _They_ could now safely venture out every day, it
was believed; and as the walk up the valley was the one which involved
the least exertion, it would only appear natural that they should almost
invariably take it. But, in order to disarm suspicion, in case anything
of the kind happened to exist, it was deemed best that an occasional
walk should be taken in some other direction until they could resume the
road toward the ravine with the certainty that they had not been watched
and followed.

It was further agreed all round that the task of _carrying_ the gold,
when collected, over the most dangerous part of the path along the edge
of the ravine was not to be thought of, especially as Captain Staunton
had thought out a plan by which all danger might be completely avoided.
His idea was exceedingly simple, and consisted merely in the erection on
each side of the chasm of a short stout pair of sheers connected
together at their heads by a good strong sound piece of rope, having
rove upon it a thimble with a pair of clip-hooks attached. The gold
could then be put into a canvas bag suspended from the clip-hooks, and,
with the aid of a hauling-line, hauled easily enough across the chasm to
the other side.

These details agreed upon, they determined to proceed with their
arrangements that same night. Accordingly, as soon as the evening meal
was over, the men retired to their bunks for a few hours' sl