Deep Down | Page 7

besides his guide, with whom
they retired into the farthest recess of the place, and entered into
animated and apparently angry, though low-toned, conversation. At
length their leader, for such he evidently was, swung away from them,
exclaiming, with a laugh, "Well, well, he's a good recruit, and if he
should peach on we--us can--"
He concluded the sentence with a significant grunt.
"Now, sur," he said, advancing with his comrade towards Oliver, who
was completing his toilet, "they'll be here in ten minutes, an' it is
expected that you will lend we a hand. Here's a weapon for you."
So saying, he handed a large pistol to Oliver, who received it with
some hesitation.
"I trust that your cause is a good one," he said. "You cannot expect me
to fight for you, even though I am indebted to you for my life, without

knowing against whom I fight, and why."
At this a tall thick-set man suddenly cocked his pistol, and uttering a
fierce oath swore that if the stranger would not fight, he'd shoot him
through the head.
"Silence, Joe Tonkin!" cried Jim Cuttance, in a tone that at once
subdued the man.
Oliver, whose eyes had flashed like those of a tiger, drew himself up,
and said--"Look at me, lads; I have no desire to boast of what I can or
will do, but I assure you it would be as easy to turn back the rising tide
as to force me to fight against my will--except, indeed, with yourselves.
As I have said, I owe my life to your leader, and apparently have been
the innocent means of drawing his enemies upon him. Gratitude tells
me to help him if I can, and help him will if the cause be not a bad
one."
"Well spoken, sur," said the leader, with an approving nod; "see to the
weapons, Maggot, and I'll explain it all to the gentleman."
So saying, he too Oliver aside, told him hurriedly that the men who ere
expected to attack them were fishermen belonging to a neighbouring
cove, whose mackerel nets had been accidentally cut by his boat some
weeks ago, and who were bent on revenge, not believing that the thing
had been done by accident.
"But surely you don't mean to use fire-arms against them in such a
quarrel?" said Oliver.
A sort of humorous smile crossed the swarthy countenance of the man
as he replied--
"They will use pistols against we."
"Be that as it may," said Oliver; "I will never consent to risk taking the
life of a countryman in such a cause."

"But you can't fight without a weapon," said the man; "and sure, if 'ee
don't shut them they'll shut you."
"No matter, I'll take my chance," said Oliver; "my good cudgel would
have served me well enough, but it seems to have been swept away by
the sea. Here, however, is a weapon that will suit me admirably," he
added, picking up a heavy piece of driftwood that lay at his feet.
"Well, if you scat their heads with that, they won't want powder and
lead," observed the other with a grin, as he rose and returned to the
entrance of the cave, where he warned his comrades to keep as quiet as
mice.
The boat which had caused so much angry discussion among the men
of the cave had by this time neared the beach, and one of the crew
stood up in the bow to guide her into the narrow cove, which formed
but a slight protection, even in calm weather, against the violence of
that surf which never ceases to grind at the hard rocks of West
Cornwall. At length they effected a landing, and the crew, consisting of
nine men armed with pistols and cutlasses, hurried up to the cliffs and
searched for the entrance to the cavern.
While the events which have been related were taking place, the shades
of evening had been gradually creeping over land and sea, and the light
was at that time scarcely sufficient to permit of things being
distinguished clearly beyond a few yards. The men in the cavern hid
themselves in the dark recesses on each side of the entrance, ready for
the approaching struggle.
Oliver crouched beside his rescuer with the piece of driftwood by his
side. Turning suddenly to his companion, he said, in an almost
inaudible whisper--
"Friend, it did not occur to me before, but the men we are about to fight
with will recognise me again if we should ever chance to meet; could I
not manage to disguise myself in some way?"
"If you get shut," replied his companion in the same low tone, "it won't

matter much; but see here--shut your eyes."
Without further remark the man took a