cely. For answer
Vince wrenched himself free, thrust out his hands, and, guiding himself
by the wall, backed softly away and stood motionless, listening to
Mike's movements. Then, stooping, he picked up a stone and pitched it
over where he supposed Mike to be standing, with the result that it
clattered down on the floor.

His anger had evaporated, and his face relaxed into a grin, for his ruse
took effect directly. Judging that the noise was made by Vince backing
from him, and in his horror and confusion mistaking his way, Mike thrust
out his hands and went in the direction of the sound, while, under cover
of the noise made, Vince backed still farther, moving as silently as he
could.

"Now then," cried Mike, from fully thirty yards away, "it's of no use,--
I have you. No more nonsense: take out that box and strike a light."

Vince turned aside to smother his laughter, then turned back to listen.

"Do you hear me?" cried Mike, in a hoarse, excited tone. "You'll be
sorry for this. See if I come out with you again!"

Vince remained perfectly still, listening while he heard Mike make a
short dash or two in the darkness as if to seize him, kicking up the
stones on the floor and once more threatening what he would do when he
got hold of his companion again.

Then he shouted louder, his voice echoing along the passage; and at last
from far back in the darkness he groaned out:

"Vince! Vince, old chap, don't leave me here all alone!"

That appeal went home to Vince's heart at once.

"Who's going to?" he cried rather huskily. "Come on. This way, old
obstinate. Mr Deane's quite right: he always said you would have your
own way, even if you knew you were wrong."

"But I am so sure, Cinder--I am indeed," cried the lad, piteously. "It
is this way--it is indeed! Oh, do strike a light!"

"There now! I'm going to show you how wrong you are," said Vince
triumphantly.

"Not now: let's get out of this dreadful place."

"'Tisn't a dreadful place; it's only you scaring yourself about nothing,
same as I did. It's this way. Come along."

"Yes, I'll come," said Mike meekly; "only don't go far, and then let's
get back. But do strike a light."

"What for? There's no need. Come along, close up to me."

Mike came, blindly feeling his way, till he touched his companion, and
his hands closed tightly upon Vince's shoulder and arm.

"There!" cried Vince, "look straight before you. What can you see?"

Mike utter