‘What think you, Maretzo,’ said Blodget, drawing the Italian aside, after they had recovered from their fatigue, ‘is there any more use wasting our time with this chap?’ ‘I fear not,’ replied Maretzo. ‘He is now so weak that he would probably faint under any fresh torture, and insensibility would baffle us.’ ‘Then we must be off. Brown was to try to find out, by some other means, where the money was placed, and if he has succeeded, we must be on hand before daylight to get hold of it. For the absence of Monteagle may excite suspicion, and our sport be spoiled.’ ‘What shall we do with our prisoner? Knock him on the head, and give the crabs a feast?’ ‘No. Brown has some old scores to settle with him. You had better stay here to-night with him, and in the morning I’ll ride out here and report progress.’ ‘Be it as you say. I shall not be sorry to have a few hours rest,’ said Maretzo. ‘But how are we to get out of this trap?’ ‘You can easily get out of here on the side opposite to that by which we entered. By following the beach awhile you will strike a road that leads over the hills to the City. By that road return in the morning. I’ll be on the look out for you!’ ‘Pick up, boys,’ cried Blodget, and in short time they had departed, piloted by Maretzo, leaving Monteagle alone in the cavern. While taking him from the horse the bandage had been partially removed from his eyes, and he had been a witness of all that went on. No sooner had they all quitted the place than he at once determined to make a desperate attempt to escape before their return, as he felt that that was his only chance. Approaching the fire, he seized a piece of wood with his teeth and applied the blazing end to the cords that bound his arms. For some seconds it resisted the action of the fire, but at length it blazed, and was soon so weakened that with the energy of despair the youth snapped it, and had his hands again at liberty. He next looked around for some weapon, and luckily found a hatchet which Maretzo had used to open the cases. Thus armed, he stationed himself at the entrance of the cavern with the determination to fell the ruffians to the earth as they attempted to enter, and then endeavor to make his escape. In a few moments Maretzo appeared and received a blow that sent him reeling and senseless to the ground. Monteagle waited a few moments, but no one else appearing he stepped out of the cavern, and fortunately took the direction in which the gang had just proceeded. At times the waves reached his arm-pits but by moving forward cautiously he at length reached the beach safely. -------------- CHAPTER XI The Robbery.