"We are prisoners, Master Rupert; no doubt about that."
"None at all, Hugh. The question is what do they mean to do with us. We've got food enough here to last us with ease for a week; and with our pistols and swords, to say nothing of the duck gun, we could hold this cabin against any number."
Presently they heard the men on deck hailing another boat.
"I suppose that is that rascal Fulke," Rupert said. "I hope that I am not quarrelsome by disposition, Hugh; but the next time I meet that fellow I will, if time and place be suitable, come to a reckoning with him."
There was a movement above, and then a bump came against the side. The other boat had come up.
"Now we shall see what they are up to."
Nothing, however, came of it. There was some low talking above, and some coarse laughter.
"Master Rupert," Hugh exclaimed suddenly, "I am standing in water!"
Rupert had half lain down again, but he leapt up now.
"They have scuttled the boat, Hugh, and mean to drown us like rats; the cowards."