“Hadn’t us better have a biscuit and a drink of water first, sir?” said Bob Hampton. “I’m strange and hungry yet.”
In my excitement I had forgotten all about the food, and giving the word, we squatted down round the bucket of water to nibble our biscuits and have a good drink from time to time; and in spite of the heat and closeness of our prison, that was one of the most enjoyable meals I ever ate.
We had just finished when we heard Jarette and his followers talking above us, and the subject of their discourse, as far as I could make it out, seemed to be something about a boat.
Then I heard Jarette say something that sounded like—
“Bah, my brave! He won’t die. Well, let him. He’ll be out of the way.”
Then there was a good deal of thumping and stamping about, and I fancied that they were going to open the hatch again.
Under these circumstances I did not let Barney, who was thoroughly eager to show his prowess, make the trial; but at last all was quiet on deck, save that there was a good deal of talking and singing right aft, and as it seemed to me in the saloon.
“They’ve got some good stuff forrard there, lads,” said Barney, suddenly.
“Why, o’ course. I know,” growled Bob Hampton, “and they might ha’ left one or two lots for us.”
“What do you mean?” I said.