"The mutineers, sir, offer terms," said Barraclough to the Prince. "They propose that if we hand over the contents of the safes we shall be landed on the coast with a week's provisions."
The Prince gazed stolidly and stupidly at his officer.
"I do not understand," said he. "The scoundrels are in possession of the safes."
"That is precisely what we should all have supposed," I said drily. "But it seems they are not."
"Look here, Holgate," called out Barraclough after a moment's silence, "are we to understand that you have not got the safes open?"
It seemed odd, questioning a burglar as to his success, but the position made it necessary.
"We have the safes open right enough," called Holgate hoarsely, "but there's nothing there—they're just empty. And so, if you'll be so good as to fork out the swag, captain, we'll make a deal in the terms I have said."
"It is a lie. They have everything," said the Prince angrily.
"Then why the deuce are they here, and what are they playing at?" said Barraclough, frowning.
"Only a pretty little game of baccarat. Oh, my hat!" said Lane.