"But we cannot stay to haggle over such a question," added Louis very decidedly. "You have placed two of the smugglers, Scott—Gray is walking about the deck or in the pilot-house; Francisco is at the wheel, and Pedro is looking after Felipe."
"Then we know where they all are, and we are ready for business," continued Scott. "What shall we do next, Captain Belgrave?"
"I have a sharp knife in my vest pocket, and we will use that next," replied Louis.
"Faix, we can't do that same very well wid our hahnds toied behoind us," interposed Flix.
"Talk English or Spanish, Felix," said Louis rather sharply.
"I can talk English and walk Spanish. What shall I do now?"
"Back up in front of me," continued Louis, resuming his seat on the divan. "Now put your hand into my vest pocket and take out my knife."
Felix obeyed the order, and with his fingers, for he could not move his wrists, he extracted the knife from the pocket. Then the leader placed himself back to back with the Milesian, and instructed him to cut his fastenings, but not to cut him. He used great care, and the operation required some time; but it was safely accomplished.
CHAPTER IX
WORKING UP THE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME