He went aft to the cabin ladder, and raised the scuttle an inch. Hugo was setting the table for Mr. Salter’s lunch. He saw the trap-door raised, and he immediately went below for a jar of pickles. In five minutes Raimundo had recited his plan to him. In five minutes more Hugo had a boat at the bow of the Tritonia, waiting for its passenger. At half-past twelve, Hugo called Mr. Salter to his lunch; and, when this gentleman took his seat at the table, Hugo raised the trap, and slammed it down as though it had not been in place before. Raimundo understood the signal.
The fugitive went forward, and ascended to the deck by the fore-scuttle. He was making his way over the bow when he found that he was followed by Bill Stout and Bark Lingall.
“What are you doing here?” demanded Raimundo, astonished and annoyed at the action of the incendiaries.
“We are going with you,” replied Bill Stout. “Over with you! if you say a word, we will call Salter.”
Raimundo dropped into the boat that was waiting for him, and the villains from the brig followed him.
CHAPTER X.
THE ESCURIAL AND PHILIP II.
Before the train stopped, the students obtained a fair view of the Escurial, which is a vast pile of buildings, located in the most desolate place to be found even in Spain. The village is hardly less solemn and gloomy than the tremendous structure that towers above. The students breakfasted at the two fondas in the place; and then Mr. Mapps, as usual, had something to say to them:—