Page:Moonfleet - John Meade Falkner.pdf/116

 we were now straight above, I knew we had a mile or more to go before we could get down to it. So on we went again, and found the bridle-path that slopes down through a deep dip in the cliff line; and when we reached this under-ledge, I looked up at the sky, the night being clear, and guessed by the stars that 'twas past midnight. I knew the place, from having once been there for blackberries; for the brambles on the under-cliff, being sheltered every way but south, and open to the sun, grow the finest in all those parts.

We were not alone, for I could make out a score of men, some standing in groups, some resting on the ground, and the dark shapes of the pack-horses showing larger in the dimness. There were a few words of greeting muttered in deep voices, and then all was still, so that one heard the browsing horses trying to crop something off the turf. It was not the first cargo I had helped to run, and I knew most of the men, but did not speak with them, being tired, and wishing to rest till I was wanted. So cast myself down on the turf, but had not lain there long when I saw some one coming to me through the brambles, and Master Ratsey said, "Well, Jack, so thou and Elzevir are leaving Moonfleet, and I fain would flit myself, but then who would be left to lead the old folk to their last homes? for dead do not bury their dead in these days."

I was half asleep, and took little heed of what he said, putting him off with, "That need not keep you, master; they will find others to fill your place." Yet he would not let me be, but went on talking for the pleasure of hearing his own voice.

"Nay, child, you know not what you say. They