"Can I render you any assistance?" asked one of the intruders, who were none other than Maxwell and Vernon, whom we left on their way to the main deck.
"Thank ye, I don't need any," replied Uncle Nathan, hobbling off, accompanied by Pat.
"Now, is the coast clear?" said Vernon, who carried a lantern he had borrowed from the mate.
"All clear; but put out that light,—the engineers will notice us," replied Maxwell.
"But I can't find my way into the hold without it. There is no danger of the engineers. They are all asleep on the forward deck."
"What do you want in the hold?" asked Maxwell, in an irritable tone.
"I want to hide this bag of money," replied Vernon, in a whisper. "As soon as the covey finds he has been picked, they will search the boat; and my character is not likely to save me from the indignity of being obliged to open my trunk, and turn out my pockets."
"It is bad business, and I wish you had not done this thing. As I told you before, I have nothing to do with it. I feel myself rather above common robbery."
"Self-esteem! But you came down on your own business, not on mine. You can return, and not trouble yourself any further," growled Vernon.
"I need your help, and will pay you for it."