CHAPTER XI.
WHAT THEY ALL SAY.
“The crew are all forward,” explained Nick, in low tones, as the two kept well in the shadow of the cabin, where they could look along the deck. “It won’t be difficult if we are careful. I know the layout of this yacht very well. It belongs to Judge Millings, and it has been leased to these people for two months.”
“I didn’t know that,” admitted Chick.
“You could have found it out if you had made inquiries, as I did,” answered Nick quietly. “We can get to the cabins of these two men and open them very easily, without disturbing anybody else. We’ll have to gag and bind them. But we can tackle each one separately, so it won’t be hard to do.”
“That sounds all right. Are we to begin the job now?”
“Yes. There is nothing to wait for. We’ll get Solado first, because his stateroom is nearest to the companion-way.”
Nick led the way to a corridor on the other side of the boat from the one that communicated with the cabin he had occupied, and which he had locked when he came out, in case there should be any one prying about.
“Here’s the door, Chick. I’ll open it.”
Softly and skillfully, Nick Carter introduced his wire and turned the lock.
He stepped inside, closely followed by Chick, both walking on their tiptoes, and without the least noise.