sty; but my daughter here, having informed me of
his suspicious presence in the vicinity of this warehouse, I came to
protect my property from possible depredation. Finding him in the very
place that I was most anxious to guard, I very naturally took him for
a burglar, and acted accordingly. I am sorry, of course, if I have
made a mistake; but, if I remember rightly, I have already had
occasion to accuse Mr. Peveril of trespassing, and to order him from
my premises."

"You did, sir, and I refused to go until I had recovered certain
property to which I have a claim."

"Do you refuse to go now, when I tell you that the property in
question has been removed beyond your reach?"

"I do not."

"Will you promise never to return?"

"I will not."

"Will you go with these men on their schooner?"

"Certainly not, unless compelled by force, for I have no inclination
to trust myself with a gang of smugglers."

By this time two more of the schooner's crew, who had reached the
ledge with a second boat-load of goods in time to be attracted by the
pistol-shot in the cavern, had made their appearance on the scene, and
stood wonderingly behind their captain.

To this individual the old man whispered: "I will give you one
thousand dollars to capture this spy, who threatens to break up our
business. Carry him on board your schooner, and keep him there for one
week--one whole week, remember. Five hundred down, and the remainder
at the end of the week, if you have him still on board."

"Done!" said the captain, eagerly; and, turning to his men, he
muttered a few words to them in a low tone.

Peveril and Connell watched this by-play with considerable anxiety,
for they had no idea what action would be best to take. It would be
folly to make an attack on so strong a force, especially as they had
no direct provocation for so doing. Even should they succeed in
driving them from the cavern, they had no clear idea of what would be
gained. At the same time they did not relish the idea of waiting
quietly while the others carried on their secret consultation.

"The divils mean mischief, Mister Peril," whispered Connell. "Kape
your eye on them; and mind, if we get separated in the shindy, I'm not
the lad to desert a friend. Look out! Here they come! Take that, you
imps of Satan!"

With this final exclamation, the Irishman hurled his lighted lantern
full into the faces of the group at that moment rushing towards them.
It struck with a c