"We have; but to the terms. You were sent to take possession of the cave,--you shall have possession as soon as we are gone, if you will draw off your party higher up this cliff and allow us to embark without molestation. If you do not immediately accept these terms, we shall certainly attack you: or you may do better if you please--pile your muskets, collect your wounded men, bring them down to the beach all ready to put into the boats, which, as soon as we are safe, we will give you possession of. Now is it a truce or not?--you must be immediate." "Yes, then, it is a truce, for I see no chance of better terms. I am commanding officer, and you have the faith of Sergeant Tanner." The sergeant then returned, and when half way, called to his men: "Party fall in--pile arms." The soldiers, worn out by the long conflict, and aware that they had no chance against such superior numbers, gladly obeyed, and were now divided in sections of three and four, collecting the wounded and carrying them down to the cove. Sir Robert and his men hastened to the rock--the ladder was lowered, and all was on the alert for embarkation--Lady Barclay and Lilly flew into his arms, while Wilhelmina hung on Ramsay; but they allowed but a short time for endearment--time was too precious. The luggage had all been prepared and the chests of specie were lowered, the bundles thrown down, and, in a quarter of an hour, the cave was cleared of all that they could take away with them. The women then descended, and all hands were employed carrying away the specie and luggage down to the boats. As soon as one boat was loaded with the boxes of money, Lady Barclay, Lilly, and Wilhelmina were put in it, and one half of the men went with them on board of the cutter where Coble had already arrived with the wounded seamen. Ramsay remained with the other boat to embark the women and luggage: when all was in, he called the sergeant, pointed out to him the ladder, and told him that he might find something worth his trouble in the cave. "Is there a drop of anything to drink, sir? for we who are whole are dying with thirst, and it's cruel to hear the poor wounded fellows beg for water." "You will find both water and spirits in plenty there, sergeant, and you may tell your own story when you arrive at Portsmouth--we shall never contradict you." "The list of killed, wounded, and missing, will tell the story fast enough," replied the sergeant; "but run up there, my lads, and get some water for these poor fellows. Good bye, sir, and many thanks." "Good bye to you, Sergeant Tanner," said one of the women in the boat. "Nancy Corbett, by all that's wonderful!" cried the sergeant. "I told you so, sergeant--you'll never lose the name of lady-killer." "Pretty lady-killing," muttered the sergeant, turning away in a rage. Ramsay took the boats on board, and, as soon as they were cleared, they were towed on shore to the cove by some of the Yungfrau's men.