This was a warning to keep silent, and as the Spaniard looked like a wicked wretch, capable of doing almost anything, they stopped conversing.
Half an hour went by and all remained silent on board.
The trap-door was still open, but now of a sudden they heard the well-known click-click as the trap closed.
"Found out how to shut her up, anyway," murmured Andy.
Both strained their ears to learn what the next movement of the captors of the Holland would be.
They heard earnest talking in the power room, where George Dross lay, bound to an iron bench.
"Won't tell ye a thing, hang ye!" came presently from the old engineer. "I run this ship for Cap'n Pelham, not for the likes o' you!"
"Good for Dross!" whispered Oscar. "I knew he would stick by us."
"If you won't help us we will kill you!" came in Captain Roquez's voice.
To this George Dross was silent.