Charlie was, of course, quite unconscious of the machinations which were being formed against him, and even Bill was not yet quite certain for what purpose Antonio had made his visit to the cabin.
Antonio felt the necessity of doing quickly what he had in contemplation.
Going below, he made his way to the chest belonging to our hero, and, lifting the cover, for it was unlocked, let the ring drop into one corner.
Bill Sturdy saw his second disappearance from the deck. He could not ascertain precisely what he was doing, without following him,—a thing which he did not wish to do, since it would arouse Antonio's suspicions, and place him on his guard.
Antonio came up with an expression of malicious satisfaction, which Bill did not fail to notice.
"I wish," he thought, "I knew exactly what the fellow has been doing."
Bill was destined to learn ere long.
The captain went below, and glanced carelessly at the place where he remembered to have left the ring. To his surprise, it had disappeared.
"What can have become of it?" he thought.