Dark and dank, the way seemed interminable.
The men raised their heads and so eased their rigid necks, and presently Job stood upright and threw the light upon a large cavern.
Their way lay now over the natural bed of a series of caverns, and as they proceeded the boom of the sea came plainly to their ears.
At last a gust of exquisite fresh, briny air blew upon them, and Job, as he masked the lantern, said:
"We're close upon the open sea. Give us your hand, captain."
So guided, the captain passed over the slippery rocks, and presently heard Job's feet plash into the water.
He was himself the next moment in the sea up to his knees; but though the shock was so sudden that it took away his breath it was grateful and refreshing.
They walked in silence, and as they walked there came before the captain's eye another scene.
Another high, dreary cliff, with two men hand-in-hand looking out upon the mighty ocean and waiting!
"Crouch," he said. "I can see the coast guard's lantern. It's old Bolt. He's getting on in years and does his beat with a light. Ha! ha! There's an advantage, captain. When he's passed, we've got a clear half hour."
"He's gone," he added, "and now for the signal."
Instantly, and for scarcely more than an instant, he turned out upon the sea that tiny beam of light. It was only for an instant, but eager, anxious eyes had been watching for that signal, and eager hands acted upon it.
Then the captain fancied that he heard some sound, but before he could distinguish it there glided a dark object close by his side.
The next instant there was another, followed by another.
Then in the darkness and deep and impressive silence, lusty figures sprang into the water.
Round objects were handed from those in the boat to those wading to the cavern.
One was handed, or, rather, flung into the captain's arms, and with an excitement born of the scene, he fell to work with the others, William, Job and twenty messmates, the work of unloading was soon done.
The men went back in their boats, and Job, the captain and Willie remained behind.
In the secure silence the two men groped their way to a smaller cavern farther from the sea, and out of sight of the cliffs.
Then Job turned on the light and glanced with flushed, sweat-beaded face from Willie to the captain, who had thrown himself upon a rock and stood watching keenly.