"Even this was not needed," I added. "Can you see how the steamer is headed?"
"No; you can hardly make her out at all. Her black smoke is about all there is of her yet," answered Baxter. "But she will see us before long, if she has not already. You may be sure that she will give chase, for those men-of-war don't sail with their eyes shut."
"Are we alone now?" I asked, looking over the men to see that none who did not belong to our party were present.
"Ay, ay, lad; we are all by ourselves," answered Baxter.
"Let us divide the work for to-night, then."
"The sooner the better."
"Six men must go into the cabin through the between-decks," I continued. "Who shall they be?"
"You shall be one of them, Phil," said Baxter.
"Very well; I am willing. Sanderson shall be another."
"I'm agreed," responded the old salt.