Читать книгу The Secret Chart; or, Treasure Hunting in Hayti онлайн

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Two hours later, after Gil and Nelse had tossed and turned in their bunks, unable to sleep because of the almost stifling heat, the latter said:

“Let’s go on deck. There’s no chance we shall close our eyes to-night if these mosquitoes continue so industrious, and we may as well be where it is possible to get the benefit of whatever air is stirring.”

“I’m ready to go, but we must move softly, in case father happens to be asleep.”

Because of this caution, the two gained the deck in nearly perfect silence, and the night was so dark that they could not be seen by those who might be on watch, save from a very short distance.

On the starboard side aft Mr. Jenkins was pacing to and fro, the sound of his footsteps alone disturbing the silence, and from the other side came a subdued murmur, which told that the strangers were yet engaged in conversation.

Without knowing exactly why he did so, until it was possible to distinguish what the rescued men were talking about, and then that which he heard was sufficient to attract his closest attention.