Here, Grant, you stop here and don't leave the mouth of the well for fear anyone should go near." He went after the men, and I lay down gazing into the dark hollow place, wondering what the foul gas was like, and whether I could see it down below; and I was just wishing that I had the candle and string to try experiments, and wondering how far the light would go down now, when I uttered a cry.
My heart seemed to give a great leap, for somebody gave me a rough push and it seemed as if I were going to be thrust down the well.
"There's a coward!" cried Philip jeeringly.

"Did you ever see such a cur, Court?
Thought he was going down." "Perhaps I did," I replied warmly, as I glanced from one to the other, wondering whether it was to be war again; but they paid no further attention to me, and began arguing between themselves.
"You daren't!" said Philip.
"Daren't!" cried Courtenay.

"Why, I went down last time hanging to a rope when it was cleaned out, and there was no water at the bottom." "But there is water now--twenty or thirty feet, and you daren't go down." "Yes I dare." "Bet you sixpence you daren't." "Done!" cried Courtenay.

"Mind I shall make you pay." "You daren't go." "All right; you'll see!" cried Courtenay; and to my horror he went close to the mouth and looked down.
"You can't go down," I said; "the well isn't safe." "Who spoke to you, pauper ?" cried Philip sharply.

And then with a sniggering laugh, "It ain't safe, Courtenay.