Vance ceased speaking very suddenly as he understood what Ned had been thinking about, and to him the future, not very bright before, suddenly grew yet more dark.
Then came another time of silence, during which the motion of the screw suddenly ceased, and the prisoners looked at each other in surprise and alarm.
Was this stoppage due to the engine itself, or had the pirates arrived at that point where they were ready to adopt yet bolder tactics than before?
As a matter of course this question could not be answered among themselves, and they waited in painful suspense for some noise by which they might gain an inkling of the true state of affairs.
CHAPTER XXI.
PRISONERS.
To the great relief of the prisoners the throbbing of the engine was heard a few moments later, and there was no longer any question but that the momentary stoppage had been caused by some trifling defect in the machinery, which could only be remedied by slowing down.
The alarm which the boys felt at the yacht’s suddenly becoming motionless on the waters served a far different purpose than the pirates could have suspected.
It suggested to Ned’s mind a way of overcoming those who had taken possession of the steamer, and that without taking too many risks of being killed.
Instantly the engine was started again he leaped to his feet, thrust a revolver into Roy’s hands, and whispered:
“Keep the sharpest lookout you know how on the skylight. If you see so much as a shadow, fire at once!”