"Why did Don Carlos go ashore?"
"To find General Pitou. If the general thinks it safe, he may come back with Don Carlos."
"When does Don Carlos expect to get back here?" put in Matt.
"That depends on how far away the rebels are. He may return soon, and he may not return until nearly night."
"About what time is it?"
"Nearly noon. Tell me, Matt, how you think I can help you! I'm not nearly so clever as you are, and you might be able to think of something I could do."
Matt was thoughtful for a moment.
"Where are Gaines and Clackett?" he asked at last.
"They are shut up in the torpedo room. Fingal intends to keep them shut up all the time they are not needed for running the boat."
"By George!" exclaimed Matt.