This passage may get almost perpendicular presently; and though I mean to go if possible, even if I have a straight drop for it, it may close up and be altogether impracticable.

So don't you try to enter till you are quite sure they are engaged with us, otherwise you will be only throwing away your life." "I understand, sir," Ralph said as he turned to go off.

"If you get in you can reckon on our assistance immediately; if not, we shall make no move." Ralph now took up his station at the mouth of the cavern with his six men, and lay down just in front of the opening listening attentively.
He could hear a continued murmur as of many voices.
"Get ready, lads, to follow me the instant you see me dive in," he said.

"I am sure by the sound there are more than four men in there, and Captain O'Connor may want help badly." Grasping a pistol in his left hand, and his sword in his right, Ralph listened attentively.

Suddenly he heard a shout, followed by a volley of imprecations, and then the discharge of a gun or a pistol.
In an instant he threw himself forward along the low narrow passage.
He had not gone more than three or four yards when he found that it heightened, and he was able to stand upright.