Phelan reflected awhile. There was no greater danger on such a day as this in going to the caves than on the finest day in July. But the novelty of the idea was almost too much for Jim. That any man in his sober senses could even during the dog-days want to go to the caves was wonderful enough; but that a man, and, moreover, a man who had lived most of his life hard by, could think of exploring those gloomy vaults in the chilly, damp days of spring, was too much for belief. O'Brien was liberal, and if he happened to spend a couple of the summer months at Kilcash, as he had hinted, Jim was certain to be a few pounds the better for it. But it wouldn't do to give in too easily. "Mr. O'Brien, if you're bent on going, of course I must take you. I'll go to the Cove of Cork for you, sir, single-handed, in my own yawl. But mind you, sir, it wasn't I that put you up to going. If you ask me my advice, I say don't go. I won't take any of the responsibility, mind, sir." "All right," cried O'Brien, with a laugh. "You know as well as I do that there is no danger on a calm day like this. How soon will you be ready?" "I'll have to get a man to go with me, and gather a few hands to help to launch the yawl. Will an hour be soon enough, sir?" said Jim, who, now that he had decided on action, was already busy in preparation. "Yes; an hour will do. How is the tide?" "About an hour flood." "And how will that answer for the Red Cave?" "Red Cave!" said Phelan, pausing suddenly in his preparation. "Is it Red Gap Cave you're thinking of going to, sir?" There was a sound of uneasiness in the boatman's voice. "Yes. Isn't it the largest? Isn't it the one they say has never been explored?" "Ay, sir. It never has been explored fully, and I don't suppose ever will--for what would be the good?--and it isn't over agreeable in there, with its windings and twistings, I can tell you. I don't mind much about the Red Cave itself; but, Mr. O'Brien, it's only a little bit beyond the Whale's Mouth, and you have some queer notions about that cursed place; and, mind, I'll have nothing to do with it for love or money." "I didn't say anything about the Whale's Mouth," said O'Brien, in a tone of irritation. "I asked you how is the tide for the Red Cave? Can't you answer a simple question?" "The tide is always right for the Red Cave," answered Phelan, sullenly. "You can always go into it when the water is smooth." "Very well. I'll expect you on the strand by the rocks in an hour;" and saying this, O'Brien left the cottage and set out for the hotel. CHAPTER XLI. AT THE WHALE'S MOUTH.