.

FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARKNESS.
The direct result of this exchange of shots was to make the two parties more cautious.

Mickey and Fred kept further away from the camp-fire, which they suffered to die out gradually.

There was really no need fot it, and, since its presence meant danger, it was only prudent to dispense with it altogether.
For fully a half hour not the slightest movement or disturbance at the opening betrayed the presence of any one there, although there could be no doubt that their enemies were within call.
"I can't see what they can gain by loafing around them parts, as the lassies used to obsarve in the ould country when any of the laddies tried to cut me out wid 'em.

They need n't watch for us to come out that way, for there ain't much danger of our trying to steal out of that hole---" "Holloa! Look there!" exclaimed Fred, in considerable excitement; "some of them are coming down to catch us." Mickey had already noticed that something unusual was up, and, just as the lad spoke, the figure of what seemed to be a man blocked up the opening, and then began slowly descending, as if supported by a rope, with which his friends were lowering him into the lower room.