But it flashed on them soon enough, and they were ready for the emergency.
"One of the two suddenly lit a small ball of hemp saturated in some inflammable substance, which he had carried with him, and, fixing it on to the point of his sword, held it up to the boards above, at the same time that the other drew his pistol and pointed it at Morgan's head.
"Not a word was said, and not one of the three stirred, until a sharp crackling of the wood above told its own tale.

The soldier still held up his brand till the place was well alight.

Then withdrawing it, and beckoning to his companion, he began to retreat towards the mouth of the cave, saying as he did so, with a mocking laugh-- "`Farewell, master traitor, I doubt not your business keeps you where you are.

We shall miss your company.' "Morgan did not hear them.

He sprang desperately towards the now blazing boards.