CHAPTER XI
HOKOSUKA'S SLEIGHT-OF-HAND
After leaving the French liner L'Égalité helpless in the distance, the Independencia steamed in a south-easterly direction till out of sight; then altering helm, she plugged away at an easy eighteen knots in the direction of the West Indies. Here Juan Cervillo knew that for a time he would be fairly safe. There were no British warships capable of doing him much damage, and amid the cays of the Bahamas there was little chance of meeting with Uncle Sam's battleships or cruisers. On the other hand, he could rely on being able to intercept some of the traders in and out of Galveston and New Orleans while, if things became too hot for him, there would be a more than possible chance of slipping off to the coast of Venezuela or Columbia, where the ship could be run ashore, and her rascally crew, with their ill-gotten booty, could disperse.
Many plans were suggested by Fielding and his companions whereby they might regain their liberty, but none seemed at present feasible. Whenever their meals were brought into the cabin armed men stood without; while, in order to prevent a repetition of their escape through the scuttle, a sentry was stationed on the poop; orders to examine the bar across the scuttle every hour were also given to a petty officer, who was lowered over the side in order that he might test the condition of the metalwork.
"Couldn't we signal in Morse, sir?" asked Cardyke: "We can easily rig up a shutter from the scuttle. It might attract the notice of some passing vessel, and we could give her warning to clear out?"
"A good idea," replied the sub. "But unfortunately, unless the other vessel approaches without steaming lights, the probability is that she will be discovered long before we can call her up. Besides, unless a ship is well abeam, or on our starboard quarter, all the signalling possible from this cabin won't be seen."
"Still, it will be something to do," continued the mid. "Something to pass the time."
"Carry on, then," replied Fielding. "But I honestly think it won't help us much—or anyone else."
During the afternoon the two British officers dozed for a couple of hours. As Fielding remarked, it was advisable to sleep all you can, for you never know when you might have to do without it. Besides, it cured the terrible ennui—the tedious waiting for something to turn up to break the deadly monotony.
Cardyke woke to find Hokosuka sitting on the floor, and carefully nursing a large revolver. There was a very faint suspicion of satisfaction in the Jap's eyes, but his immobile face gave no sign of elation or otherwise. The mid. could not help wondering how the man gained possession of such a powerful weapon, and his curiosity urged him to appeal to General Oki.