The gold—the broad glittering pieces of bright gold, threw a glimmer over the dark suggestion creeping into and gaining force over his mind!
Clink! clink! clink!
He imagined he could still hear the noise of the pieces lightly striking against each other, as when the old man counted them!
The sweat came out upon his brow; he felt feverish and restless to commence the work now, to at once possess himself by a bold stroke, of the treasure!
There were no persons in the cabin but Mr. Manton, himself, and the steward, the captain, with the first and second officers being on deck, and not apt to come below until two bells—ten o'clock, which was yet an hour distant. The steward slept away off at the further end of the cabin, and being a sound sleeper, there was no danger of his waking from any noise less than that of a thunderbolt.
Brand, however, to make sure, now rose, and going to the steward's door listened intently, when the heavy breathing of the man convinced him that his present slumber was no exception to the rule.
In the middle of the state-room the dark schemer paused, glancing up at the companionway. The spray occasionally entering this in drops, would give him an excuse for closing the slide, so that he could hear if any person should attempt to enter during the performance of his fearful work.
Then Brand asked himself what he should do after committing the deed.
Investigation would follow, and there were many ways in which he might be discovered.
"Curses upon it! I had not thought of that," muttered the wretch, fairly grinding his teeth.