A minute later there was a quick cry and a sudden commotion below as if the sailors had discovered the old tramp, and then, as a light showed distinctly through the cracks of the floor, Tom quavered, gaspingly:
“They’ve traced us here, and have got a light and are looking for us!”
Will Bertram placed his eye to an interstice in the floor to ascertain what was going on below.
He arose suddenly to his feet with a startled cry.
“Quick, Tom, open the trap door and get the ladder down!”
“What for?”
“It is no light below, but a fire!”
“A fire?” echoed Tom, wildly.
“Yes; quick, I say; the trap! the ladder!”
Will himself was compelled to lift the trap door, for Tom was paralyzed with terror and utter helplessness in their dilemma.