Were they ghosts or smugglers, or what?
If ghosts, I was disposed to venture on.

That they were smugglers I could hardly believe, for there had been no sight of a ship anywhere near, nor of a boat in the cave.

Whoever they were, they must have entered the place by the ordinary way above ground, and if so were probably unaware of the secret passage.

At any rate, I had come so far, and would not turn back till I saw good reason.

I had a pistol in my pocket and a tolerably handy knife, with which, even if surprised, I could give a good account of myself.