I went to the forecastle, where Baxter, already half drowned by the water which poured in over the top-gallant forecastle, was faithfully keeping guard over the scuttle. He had stretched a life-line across the deck, to enable him to act efficiently; but the hatch was clamped down and toggled with an iron strap, so that it could not be lifted from below; and really there was no danger of an onslaught through this aperture till it was opened by some one on deck. I relieved Baxter, and he joined the working force at the courses. Some of the tipsy crew were sufficiently sobered by the torrents of cold water which the stormy sea had tossed upon them to assist, and the courses were promptly furled.
While I was at my post over the scuttle, I heard a rap from beneath; and I judged that the pirates below were impatient at the unexpected delay. I put my head down to the deck and listened. In a momentary lull of the roaring sea, I heard the name of Martino, in the voice of Waterford; but I made no reply, though I rapped on the deck to signify that he had been heard.
The courses were hauled up, and again the bark was relieved; but the captain was not satisfied, and the fore topsail was also furled. The vessel was then under jib, spanker, and main topsail. The effect was decided and satisfactory. Though the spray still dashed over her, she no longer took the water aboard by the tun. The bark went along very comfortably, still headed on her course to the north-west, for the gale came from the southward and westward.
While I stood at my post, holding on at the life-line, I considered the plan which I had adopted for capturing the pirates. The fore scuttle was forward of the fore mast, and the house on deck just abaft it. The darkness was deep and dense, though sailors are just as much at home in the gloom of the night on deck as in the glare of the noonday sun; for weeks of service on this limited area of planking familiarize them with every inch of space, and every object near them. I had reasoned myself into the belief that the sailors would be sent on deck first when the scuttle was opened, for they belonged to the crew, and their presence would cause no suspicion. They were to strike the first blow, and the others were to follow when it had been done.
As soon as the fore topsail had been furled, Baxter and Sanderson came forward, and reported themselves ready for the next step. The captain soon followed them, for he had been aft to satisfy himself that all was quiet there. There were really only five of us who were entirely reliable for the difficult duty we were to perform. Franklin declared that he was willing to take part in anything; but we had some of the old suspicion of him lingering in our minds.
"You two will station yourselves just inside of the forecastle," I said to Sanderson and Baxter.
"Where shall I go?" asked the captain.
"You and Franklin can be at hand, and if they need any help, you will be able to give it to them. I shall let only three of them come up."
"Then we don't want any help," added Baxter.
"As soon as you have ironed the three, go aft, and see that nothing happens in the cabin."