"We have been well occupied all the time, and it seems longer than it is. But it is late enough for us to make a beginning of our affair, or we shall have no chance to do anything," said Louis. "As nearly as I can make out the position of the steamer, we shall be off Carnero Point in half or three-quarters of an hour, and if the smugglers get a breeze there, they will part company with us."
"I'm all ready for business, and I am only waiting for your orders, Captain Belgrave," replied Scott. "If you will station your men to support me, I will proceed at once."
"But you are the principal in this lassoing business, Scott, and I want you to put the fellows just where you want them," replied Louis. "We will all obey your orders now."
"Just as you say, Captain. I will make my way to the hurricane deck, and lie down directly over the cabin door. I will heave the lasso just as soon as I find our man in the right position," said Scott, as he coiled up the line, and thrust it under his belt. "You three will place yourselves at the door, and have it open a crack so that you can see out at it. As soon as the music begins, rush out and make the Scotchman fast, if he holds still long enough for you to do it."
The pilot passed out at one of the windows, and his step was heard on the hurricane deck.
CHAPTER X
LASSOING THE SCOTCHMAN
Louis opened the cabin door, and looked out; but he closed it immediately, for the light in the apartment would enable Captain Velazquez to see that it was open, and cause him to suspect that the prisoners had made their escape. The lamp hanging from the deck beam above was a bracket with three lanterns. Felix climbed upon the table which stood beneath it, and took it down. It was then wrapped up in the tablecloth, and placed under the divan, where it could shed none of its light about the apartment.
The door was then opened again; but it looked as though Diego had seen the light before, and he was hailing the Scotchman very vigorously. Louis had only time to gather up a handful of lanyards and other lines from a box under the seats in the standing-room before he heard the footsteps of Gray in the port gangway. He retreated, closing the door all but a crack.
"What's the matter on board of the steamer?" yelled Diego.