The fact should have warned him, but it did not.
No one having been allowed to leave the Rat- Hole since his plans were laid, he had no thought of the possibility of betrayal.
He entered, and the others followed, until the ten men were grouped there.
Then the chief, with a low word of command to his men, struck a match.
The scratching of that match had a most remarkable effect.
It seemed to produce a score of sudden sharp clicks, and instantly the cabin was flooded with light from as many bull's eye-lanterns which glared in the faces of the river-thieves.
The cabin of the Nourhemal was filled with uniformed men, who had been silently awaiting the arrival of the river-thieves.
“Betrayed!” exclaimed Gentleman George, with an oath.
“Surrender!” chorused the officers. The men had no thought of flight, so awed were they by the suddenness of the surprise.
But Gentleman George and Red Rob both made a break for liberty.