"We can't stop her from sinking, so what's the use of going on deck," objected the American.
"No, we can't stop her from sinking," admitted the sub. "But if we can jump clear before the suction is too great we stand a fighting chance of swimming to the brigantine."
"Not a ghost of a chance. I guess the water's a sight too cold. We'd be frozen before we covered a quarter of the way," said Rutter, pessimistically.
"Don't meet trouble half-way," replied Fielding, stoutly. "I'll tell Oki the state of affairs, and you, Mr. Rutter, can let the Dutchmen and your fellow passengers on L'Égalité know. I would suggest that every man smother himself with oil and grease. Mukyima knew the value of oil when he went over the side."
When the news that the ship was about to be scuttled was told to the others there was very little excitement. Some of the Frenchmen proposed that an attempt should be made to take possession of the ship; but to this Fielding objected. The hatches were secured, and it would be better, under existing circumstances, not to offer any form of resistance to the pirates.
"If we did they would shoot us while we were in the water," concluded Fielding. "I don't think they would otherwise deny us a chance of swimming to yonder whaler."
Without any undue haste or excitement the imprisoned men made their preparations; then, taking up their positions at the ports, awaited Fielding's signal to throw themselves into the sea.
"There's the villain Cervillo putting off," exclaimed Rutter. "I'd just like to try this rifle, and put a bullet through his head."
"Don't, for your own sake," said Fielding. "Our opportunity to get even with him will come in due time, I feel certain."
"There's no time like the present," objected the American.