isappeared, without doubt, in through the
mouth of the cavern.

"Preparing a warm reception for us, Mark, my lad," said Sir Edward,
advancing to his son's side; "but we shall be able to give them one
equally warm. Well, my man, how are the wounds? Would you like to have
ten minutes' halt?"

Nick, to whom this was addressed, showed his teeth in a peculiar smile.

"When we've done our work, master; not before. Dessay we shall be
'bliged to wait before we get in."

"I hope not," said Sir Edward. "I mean for us to make a bold rush."

"That's right, master," said the man, whose fellows were listening
eagerly; "but I've been thinking about Sir Morton yonder, and my young
lady."

"Yes? What about them?" asked Sir Edward.

"You're going to use blasting-powder?"

"Well, what of that?"

"I was thinking about them inside. We wouldn't like to hurt them."

"Of course not; but as I know the place, there is little fear. I went
in some distance, some twenty years ago, and the passages run to and fro
and keep opening up into chambers. Now, one of these, some distance in,
is sure to be turned into a prison for the captives, where they would be
beyond the reach of the powder, and I feel certain that they would be
too far away to be hurt."

"Won't bring the roof down upon 'em, will it?" asked the man.

"I don't think there is any fear; but it is only where we fail to drive
the wretches back that I shall have a charge fired. I must save my men
from injury as much as I can."

"That's what Sir Morton used to say, young gentleman," said Nick, as Sir
Edward drew back; and for the next half-hour the attacking party, a good
twenty strong, advanced steadily, the steepness of the climb soon
enforcing slower progress.

For some little time now they had been aware of the fact that the enemy
had been making preparations for an attack. Taught by the last, they
had worked hard, and built-up a massive wall across the entrance to
their stronghold, this defensive work being formed of the rough blocks
lying about the little slope, and for the most part they were dragged
down, and hoisted into their place.

Upon this, half-a-dozen armed men were standing, watching their
approach, and the attacking party made out their swords and pikes, the
latter leaning against a rock, with their bright steel heads sloping
towards the climbers.

When these latter were within about a hundred yards, Sir Edward halted
his party, and ranged them i