to it at once."

"Yes, in a very quiet way, so that no one knows," said Ralph.

"And meet at the Steeple Stone about half-an-hour after our people are
gone to bed."

"And the first who are there to wait for the others."

"Oh, of course," cried Mark. "Fair play; no going first, and doing the
work. That would mean a fresh quarrel."

"When I fight, I fight fair," said Ralph proudly.

"I didn't mean to doubt it," said Mark apologetically. "I say: this is
more sensible than for us two to fight now."

"Think so?"

"Yes: oh yes; only, of course, our fight has to come. Yes, when these
people are cleared off."

"We can't have three sets of enemies," said Ralph gravely; "and I can't
help thinking that if we do not act, they will get more and more daring,
and drive us out."

"Pooh!" said Mark defiantly.

"Ah, I laughed at the idea at first; but they might take Cliff Castle or
Black Tor by surprise some night."

"Well, they might take Cliff Castle," said Mark, in rather a
contemptuous tone, "but not the Black Tor. And they shan't even try to
take either," he added quickly, as if repenting his words. "We'll
surprise them, and to-night."

"One moment," said Ralph. "We must be careful, for it's quite possible
that some of the ruffians may be out on an expedition, and if we met
them in the dark, it might cause a serious mistake."

"We'll settle all that when we meet," said Mark. "`Allies,' then--
to-night."

"`Allies'--to-night," said Ralph; and after stiffly saluting, in the
style taught by their fencing masters, the two lads separated, each
making for his own home.

Mark's task proved easy. He went straight to the mine, descended, and
found Dummy.

"Coming to go right through the cave beyond the big waterfall, Master
Mark?" cried the lad eagerly.

"No," replied Mark shortly. "Where's your father?"

"Right away down the mine, in the new lead, Master Mark," said the lad
in a disappointed tone. "Aren't you never coming to have a hunt?"

"Oh yes, some day."

"That's what you always say. There's lots to see and find out. You
know where that water is."

"Yes: but never mind now."

"But, Master Mark, I'm sure that it comes from the river, where there's
that sink-hole in the narrow, where you see the water turn round and
round."

"Very likely; but here, I must see your father. Take a light, and go
before me. Here, Dummy, are there plenty of torches?"

"Yes, Master Mark; but what do you want