Ben obeyed the order without making any noise, and then the party went aft, where Ethan was keeping guard over the treasure.
"Good evening, Ethan," said Ben, with more suavity than he was in the habit of using.
"Good evening," replied the engineer.
"Haven't turned in yet?" continued Ben.
"No."
"Going to start at midnight, I hear."
"Yes."
"Some friends of mine wanted to look over the boat; I suppose I can show them through."
"I don't know; Captain Lawry can tell you," answered Ethan, who did not like Ben, and was not favorably impressed by the appearance of the other men.
Ben walked aft into the saloon, followed by his companions. Ethan was sitting in a chair by the side of the stateroom door. The fireman passed round behind, and suddenly fell upon him, throwing him on the floor and pinioning his arms to his back.