But instead of that he went a few steps toward the others and I turned and slipped away in the opposite direction.
Two or three minutes later the three went below, the newcomer expressing a strong opinion about the folly of having shown a light.
Giving them time to join the rest of the party below, I crawled back to the companion and settled myself to listen once more.
Barosa’s was the first voice I heard distinctly. “We needn’t waste any more time in discussing it. Captain Gompez was quite right to satisfy himself and as we are indebted to him for having the boat at all, it is surely ungracious to charge him with wasting a few minutes for this purpose. And now, please, will you let me explain exactly what are the arrangements for to-morrow? Major Sampayo has carefully examined these papers, and every detail is as I told you it would be.”
There was a murmur of interest, followed by a pause, and then Barosa spoke again.
“I have news of the greatest importance for you, gentlemen, and that you may appreciate it fully, I shall be obliged if you will carefully study this plan of the scene.”
A considerable rustling of papers followed as the plans were handed round, the whispering of many questions, and then another pause of silent, almost breathless expectancy.
CHAPTER XXI
PLOT AND COUNTERPLOT
THE pause was a long one before Barosa spoke again.
“Of course we have all studied the actual ground of which these are the plans, but it was best that we should have them before us in settling the final details. I was able to tell you three days ago the arrangements for Dom Carlos’s private visit to the city to-morrow evening, and this later information, coming straight from M. Volheno’s office, confirms them. Dom Carlos will arrive at the little Eastern landing-stage at a few minutes before eight, and will have with him two companions—only two. And the news I have for you is that those two companions are fast and firm adherents of the rightful king of Portugal, His Majesty Dom Miguel.”