They had hurried below, and passing rapidly around, had given the word to all their friends that the time had come to act.
Half a dozen Spaniards who had been assisting in the work of the ship collected together, so as to prevent any one getting near the magazine to render help. The officers took charge of the more dangerous end of the scheme.
It was necessary that they should do so. For they were the only prisoners who were allowed perfect freedom. The fact of their walking about would not alarm the sentries, and so strolling carelessly along in small groups, not less than six Spanish naval officers were within reach of the sentries who were guarding the magazine.
Manuel gave the signal.
It was a faint whistle, but quite audible to ears that had waited anxiously for the sound.
Each man knew what to do, for all the details were prearranged.
Juan sprang at the nearest sentry. Manuel dashed past him and flew at the throat of the second sentry.
Juan and another officer seized the first sentry without the least difficulty. The man was taken completely by surprise, and not being able to resist, he was instantly disarmed.
The second sentry gave more trouble.
He had had some time in which to resist the Spanish officers.