"I am glad.

We'll march close up, and then crouch down round the stone till the others come." Nick grunted; and they tramped softly on over the grass and heath, with all looking grim and strange, the utter stillness of the night out there adding to the solemnity of the scene.
But they had not taken half-a-dozen paces toward the block, seen dimly against the starless sky, when there was a sharp chink, and a familiar voice cried: "Who goes there ?" "`Allies,'" said Ralph promptly.
"Halt!" cried the leader.
"Advance!" came back; and directly after, the two lads were face to face, comparing notes.
"Began to think you were Purlrose's men," whispered Mark.
"And I that you had not come." "Been here some time, and the lads are all lying down.

Now then, what are our plans?
I want to get to work." "March together in single file, about five yards apart, straight for the cave.

Get within fifty yards, halt, and let two advance softly to reconnoitre." "Can't do better," said Mark softly.

"But we must keep very quiet, in case any of them are out marauding." "Yes, of course.