n
particular. You see, it seems strange, after we've fought together
against another enemy."

"It doesn't seem strange to me," said Ralph quietly; "it seems stupid."

"But I'm not afraid."

"I don't think I am," said Ralph. "I think we showed we were not afraid
when I wounded you."

"I wounded you too," said Mark hotly.

"Yes. Well, then, don't let's fight this morning."

Mark sheathed his weapon, and Ralph did the same.

"Now then," said the former, "how many men could you get together?"

"Nick Garth, Ram Jennings, and six more."

"Eight," said Mark, flushing proudly. "I could get Dan Rugg, Dummy
Rugg--he's only a lad, but he's stronger than I am. Oh yes: and
fourteen more at least."

"That would not be fair. If you agreed to come and attack the men at
Ergles, you would have to bring eight. But could you get swords and
pikes for them?"

"Oh yes--for five times as many. How about yours?"

"We've plenty of arms. They're old, but very sharp and good."

"And could you depend on your fellows to fight?" said Mark.

"Oh yes," said Ralph, smiling; "they hate these people, and they'd rush
at them like dogs would at wolves."

"So would ours," cried Mark. "There isn't one of our men who hasn't had
some relative or friend attacked and ill-used or robbed."

"Sixteen and ourselves would be plenty."

"And then there's Master Rayburn."

"No," said Ralph quickly; "he's getting a very old man, and I don't
think he ought to go. Let's do it all secretly, and make the men vow
not to say a word. Nobody else must know."

"When would you go?" said Mark, nodding his head in agreement.

"They say you should always strike when the iron is hot."

"Well, it's hot enough now," cried Mark eagerly. "What do you say to
to-morrow night."

"Why not to-night?" said Ralph. "I'm willing. Then we'll go to-night.
What time?"

"It ought to be after our people are gone to bed. We should have to
come out unknown."

"Yes, I forgot that. Then it would have to be ten o'clock first, and it
would take us quite an hour to get quietly up to the mouth of the cave."

"Yes, with a lantern under a cloak, and every man a torch," said Ralph.

"Oh, I say, you are good at this sort of thing," cried Mark eagerly. "I
shouldn't have thought of that."

"We couldn't fight in the dark; we shouldn't know friends from foes."

"We should know our own men, and of course your men would be enemies to
my men; but, of course, we shouldn