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 Ramsay, 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.
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