The quarter-boats were also ready for lowering at a moment's notice, and as the pumps still managed to keep down the flow of the sea into the hold everyone believed that the badly-damaged barque would continue to remain afloat.
With the disappearance of the smoke from the 'tween deck some of the hands were sent there, to discover what had become of the Chinamen who made such a dastardly attempt to kill the captain and Mr. Sennit, and in a heap right aft all of them were found suffocated.
Fifteen of them thus suffered death for participation in the mutiny, and from what their countrymen stated there could be no doubt that they were the murderers of the whites in the forecastle, and the chief instigators of the whole lamentable affair.
During that first night under reduced sail the 'Alert' leaked so badly that even a constant working of the pumps could not abate the rise of water in the well, and much anxiety was consequently aroused.
'I think it is owing to the stronger breeze,' the old man sang out. 'Haul up and stow the mainsail.'
That was speedily accomplished, and, sure enough, the inflow immediately decreased.
'At daylight we must endeavour to strengthen the bow either inside or out,' the captain added. 'Otherwise I don't see how we can reach any island.'
Throughout that night matters remained somewhat hopeful, and as the vessel sailed very slowly the water below was kept under control.
An inspection of the damaged bow next morning disclosed such serious defects that Captain Thorne could not conceal his anxiety.
'It is worse than I had supposed,' he exclaimed. 'The entire bow seems almost gone. Clewlin!' he added, 'run on deck and tell Mr. Statten to haul down and stow the whole of the head canvas. We must use the utmost caution.'