Within half an hour he was satisfied, for a little examination proved to the prisoners that some unfortunate vessel had gone to pieces outside and its stores had been run in by the smugglers.
“Yes,” said the middy, as they returned to their resting-place, to begin making a hearty meal, “things do look a bit more rosy, but you mustn’t be too chuff over it. I’ll bet sixpence, if you like, that the tackle in those tubs is as salt as brine.”
“I’m afraid so,” said Aleck, “and all the outside of the flour mouldy.”
“Very likely,” said the middy. “But never mind; if the outside’s bad we’ll eat the in.”
“Look at the crack over yonder now!” cried Aleck, after a time, during which the only sounds heard were those of two people eating.
“What for?”
“It look’s so light; just as if the sun was shining upon it outside. I must try if I can’t dive down and swim out.”
“With a rope round your waist,” said the middy, eagerly, “so that if you stuck—”
“You could pull me back,” said Aleck.
“And if you got through safely—” cried the middy.