“If there be,” says Barney, “we’re a-lying on ’em, for there arn’t no room without as I can see.”
“Yer can’t see,” growled Dumlow.
“Well, I didn’t mean with my eyes, Neb; so don’t be so chuff on a fellow. I meant with my understanding.”
“Don’t. Don’t get arguing together,” I cried impatiently. “It is suffocating down here. I want to understand how we are placed, and I can’t quite make it out yet.”
“Well, sir, p’r’aps I can help you a bit,” said Bob. “Seems to me as they pulled up a hatch and pitched us in, and then battened it down again.”
“And where are our friends?”
“Why, they’d shove ’em where we shoved they, down in the forksle, I should say, unless they’ve stuffed ’em in the cable-tier.”
“Yes, perhaps so,” I said thoughtfully.
“Why, o’ course,” growled Dumlow.
“What? They are in the cable-tier?”