I led the way aft, followed by my five companions. I had one of the revolvers in my belt, and had given the other to Baxter, though I cautioned him not to use it except in the last emergency. We all took off our shoes, and left them between decks. We then entered the steerage, where Palmer was nervously awaiting our arrival.
"What shall I do?" asked Palmer.
"Hold the light, and carry the ropes; nothing more. Sanderson and I will take care of the mate."
"Has he a pistol in his state-room?" asked Jack.
"I don't know. Probably he has; but we won't mind a pistol. We will not let him wake enough to know how to use it, if he has one. Are you all ready?"
"Ay, ay!" whispered the men.
"Stay where you are, with the light, Palmer, until you hear a noise. I know just where the room is, and I can find the mate in the dark."
I opened the door which led into the cabin, and crept cautiously aft till I had reached the door of Waterford's room. I could hear the heavy snoring of the captain, and I was satisfied that he would give us no trouble. He was too drunk to resist us, and I had decided not to meddle with him till we had secured the others.
I waited till all my companions were in the cabin; and then, closely attended by Sanderson, I crept into the mate's state-room. I bent over the berth, and, by his heavy breathing, ascertained where his head lay. I then placed my right hand upon his throat, and with my left thrust a handkerchief into his mouth, so that he could not cry out. At the same instant, Sanderson seized his hands, and the mate was secure.