"Now," said Francisco, "you had better remain quietly here for what you judge to be an hour. Then you come upon deck, being careful to get astern without being seen. During this interval of waiting I will have a boat in readiness, and be prepared to lower your chest into it at short notice. You will have to bring this with you, and if it is too heavy to handle easily and rapidly, I should advise you to remove whatever of its contents you can spare. You understand?"
"We do, Francisco, and we will not fail to be on hand."
"I will be there to assist you. In case I fail to accomplish my purpose in getting the boat, you will hear an alarm, in which case you had better replace your irons and stay where you are until the excitement blows over. Under these circumstances it will be for your interest to look out for yourselves, as you will know that I cannot help you."
"We shall not desert you," replied the young engineers, while they clasped his hands as he started to leave them.
"He is a brave fellow, and thoroughly unselfish," said Harrie.
Exchanging now and then a few words, they waited and listened while the silence remained unbroken. At times the sound of footsteps reached their ears, and constantly the steady swish of waters, but nothing to warn them that the plans of Francisco had miscarried.
"The hour must be passed," declared Jack at last.
"And we must be moving," added Ronie.
"Can you find your chest easily?" asked the first.
"I think so," replied Harrie. "Follow me."