"No, by Heaven," he exclaimed. "This makes it a question of——"
He paused. Mr. Legrand came running along the deck.
"We've got it now," he said. "Oh, we've got all we want now."
"Look here," said I. "Is Ellison with you? I'm sure he's not in this?"
"Yes," said Barraclough.
"Well, post him at the ladder, and here's Grant. Let's find out how we stand."
"It'll be hot work to-night," said Legrand.
Day's voice came to us from his cabin door: "Sir John Barraclough, be good enough to place all the men you can trust on guard, with orders to fire in case of necessity. I shall be obliged for your company and that of the officers in my cabin."
We had four men, including Ellison, on the deck, and there was also the man at the wheel, who had not quitted his place through all these events. One could surely rely upon a man with such a sense of duty; so, having made such dispositions as were possible, Barraclough followed us to the captain. The ladies, I hoped, were safe in their cabins, as I had heard no sound of them.
Day was brief and businesslike. "Dr. Phillimore was right," said he. "I ask his pardon. We must see how many men we have. There is Mr. Lane and Mr. Pye. Where is Mr. Pye?"