Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/213

 scuffling sound of the booted feet suggested that they labored under considerable weight.

For a number of minutes Nelson and Martin lay and listened, and in that time, they gathered, three loads were brought up, and the first bearers began their descent again. Now and then a low word was spoken, but the hearers failed to gather the sense of it. Martin tugged at Nelson's sleeve.

"Listen for the last of them to go back," he whispered. "Then follow me and we'll see where they're taking the stuff, Better keep in touch so we won't get lost. Ready now?"

They crept back from the edge and then, arising to their feet, left the cliff behind and made their way as quietly as possible into the darkness. When they had gone some thirty yards or so Martin drew Nelson down beside him. "We'll wait here until they come back," he said. "Maybe we can hear where they go."

"Hope we aren't in their way," whispered Nelson. "Hate to have them walk on me."

"If they do, don't move. Just make a noise like a shamrock!" Martin chuckled softly. "Say, Nep, I haven't had so much fun since I ran a nail in my foot! Where do you suppose they're caching the stuff?" 188