It has regularly spoiled our place, though, for whoever comes here must know of the other cave." "Well," said Mike, as they stood by the rope, and he gazed longingly back at the rich store he was about to leave behind, "I'll come; but I don't believe you're right." "You'll soon see that I am, Ladle; for before long all these things will be taken away--perhaps by the time we come again." "If it's as you say we shan't be able to come again," replied Mike rather dolefully; and then, in obedience to an impatient sign from his companion, he took hold of the rope and climbed slowly up, passing in at the opening, and being followed by Vince directly after.
Then the rope was drawn up and coiled, and both took a long and envious look at the cargo that had been landed there at some time or other, before making their way along the fissure to their own place.
"I don't believe any one would do as we've done, and come along there," said Mike, as soon as they were safely back.

"Perhaps, if you're right about that stuff being new, these smuggling people don't, after all, know of this cave." "They must have seen it when they were going and coming in their boat, and would have been sure to land and come in." "Land where ?" said Mike scornfully.

"No boat could land here, and nobody could wade in, on account of the quicksands.

But I'm right, Cinder.

These things are awfully old, and they'll be ours after all." "Very well: we shall see," said Vince.