After the adjournment of the clan, the members collected together in various little squads about the cave, and engaged in conversation, some in a loud, braggadocio, swaggering tone, others in low, murmuring voices, audible only to themselves, and still others in confidential whispers.  Of those who have figured heretofore in the incidents of this story, we may mention the hard-featured, desperado-looking fellows who had conceived a dislike to Duval, as being very earnestly engaged in some matter among themselves, doubtless of a vile character; it would seem, too, from their manner, that others than themselves were not to be admitted into their counsels, or to know the nature of their scheme, be it what it might, for they kept casting wary glances about on all sides, as if with the intention of guarding their circle from intrusion, and their words from being heard by ears for which they were not intended.  All the clan, however, were too busily engaged in concerns of their own, to notice others.  This fact was observed by the ruffians, and they became less reserved and cautious in their movements.  Had one been near them at the closing of their confab, he would have heard this fragment of a conversation among them: 

“League or no League he’s got to die!”

“Better be careful, or you’ll have the cap’n down on you.”

“——­ the cap’n!”

“Beware what you say! that is treason!”

“Treason be it then!  When Bill Mitchel says he’ll do a thing he does it, and all the Leagues and captains in or out of h——­l can’t stop him!”

“Come, come! be cool and don’t make a fool of yourself; it can all be done without so much bluster.”

But, as we are not so deeply interested in the proceedings of these fellows as in some other of our characters, we will pass from them and their villainous plot, whatever it may be, and look after Duffel and the captain.

These two worthies had drawn aside, and were deeply absorbed in confidential intercourse.  As their conversation is of considerable interest, we give a part of it: 

“Well, Duffel, how is that affair with Miss Mandeville prospering?”

“Not so well as I could wish.  The truth is I shall have a pretty hard time, if my suit wins at all.”

“Indeed!  I am sorry for that; for I was strongly in hopes of receiving a little assistance from you in the way of cash.  I have been at great expense the past few months, and need a little aid just now, to finish the necessary fixtures for our south-western branch.  You know it takes a mine to fit up a cave such as that was and is to be.”

“I am really sorry that things have turned out as they have.  I expected, when I mentioned this matter before, that ere this time I should have consummated the affair; but I am far less sanguine of success now than at any previous time.  Mr. Mandeville favors my suit, but the daughter has taken a dislike to me and—­”