“My own conclusion exactly,” said the commander. “As like as not the directing mind of the plot will turn up there,” and he waved his hand toward the city. “But,” with a short laugh, “he will hear nothing of his agent, nor will he secure the coveted document. Before dawn Siki will be in irons; and the papers are safe in the strong box in my cabin.”
“I noted the sentry at the cabin door all the way out,” said Ethan approvingly. “And I suppose you examined the chest frequently?”
“Twice a day, to see that it was not tampered with. And the sentries were, in every instance, men whom I could trust.”
Here one of the middies advanced and drew the commander’s attention to something forward. Ethan joined Longsword in the waist.
“We start to-morrow, then?” said the trooper.
“Yes; after daybreak. Lieutenant Wallingford has procured us horses, so there will be no delay.”
“It seems to me, Master Ethan,” grumbled Longsword, ill-humoredly, “that the captain is making a great mistake.”
“In what respect?”
“In not keeping guard over the cabin door. When we were in mid-ocean and no man could escape he were very strict in that way; but now when there is a chance for some bla’guard to steal the secret and swim ashore, it’s leave the cabin unguarded he do be after doing.”
“Unguarded!”