Thus they had nearly a brace of pistols each, and, fortunately, plenty of ball ammunition made up into cartridge form for the contingencies of the Madagascar coast.
In less than ten minutes all was in readiness; all were certainly silent, pale, and desperate, for all felt that death and utter destruction were awfully close at hand.
The misery of the Bassets and the two lovers was more poignant than any emotion felt by their companions, who were chiefly inspired by the natural impulse of self-preservation, without the paralysing horror that on their lives depended the lives of others who were most dear to them; but the whole affair had come upon them with the suddenness of a thunderclap, and as yet, perhaps, they could scarcely understand the terrors of their situation.
"These cursed proas were about five miles off, you say, doctor?" said the captain, in a low voice, as he looked at his watch.
"Yes, sir; five to leeward of the island."
"The wind is light, though increasing."
"They had neither spars nor sails up, sir, and so may not be here for more than an hour yet, though swiftly paddled."
"They may not come here at all," said Bartelot; "for perhaps they may be quite ignorant that we are lying in the creek."
"If not aware now they will soon be," said Morley; "they were steering directly for the creek, and I don't think these mangroves will hide the ship's spars."
"Still they may pass it," said Tom, hopefully, as he carefully capped his revolver, and slung it by his side.