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

50 страница из 64

“If your predictions are correct, sir, there’ll be little to fear, for as yet this crowd are without any plan of action. Why don’t you go below for a while?”

“I believe I will. Keep your wits about you, and don’t hesitate to call me if anything looks wrong.”

As he spoke, the captain went to his room, and in a comparatively short space of time the sound of his heavy breathing could be heard, even by the man at the wheel.

The mate paced to and fro more than an hour, and then, fancying he heard a movement among the men, who were supposed to be sleeping on deck, he went forward to investigate.

The rescued party appeared to be wrapped in slumber, as he made his way among the prostrate forms, and, blaming himself for being unduly suspicious, Mr. Jenkins continued on to the forecastle companion-way before turning to retrace his steps.

The sailor who should have been on the lookout was nowhere to be seen, and the mate stood for a moment expecting him to come from below, when suddenly a hand was clapped over his mouth, preventing him from uttering the slightest sound.