“That will do,” said Mark. “Either you or I may find a chance to speak to one of them; but there’s no time to be lost, for we can’t say at what moment these ruffians may take it into their heads to carry out their villainous designs. We must be careful, however, that they don’t suspect us of giving the information, or they might heave us overboard some dark night without ceremony.”
Some time was occupied in taking in the canvas, but in the course of an hour the squall passed off, and we had again to make sail.
While this was being done, Mark and I had time to discuss the matter.
That night, while it was my watch, I managed to get aft, where I found a person walking the deck, occasionally stopping and gazing at the bright stars overhead, the southern cross and others so different from those of the northern hemisphere. I waited till he had gone right aft out of earshot of the man at the wheel. I knew by his figure that it was Mr Fraser, so I went boldly up to him.
“I have got something to say to you,” I whispered. “It’s of great consequence. I mustn’t speak loud.”
I then briefly told him that I had heard the men propose to get rid of the officers and passengers in some way or other.
“I’ve already heard something of this from your young messmate, but I’m very incredulous about it,” he answered.
“Pray don’t be that, sir,” I said. “Your life, and the lives of many others besides, depends on your believing the truth of what I say and taking measures to protect yourselves;” and I then told him more circumstantially what I had heard. He now seemed to listen attentively, and evidently considered that there was something in what I had said.
“I’m very much obliged to you for the information you have given, and I’ll consult my friends on the subject,” he answered. “The captain seems to be a man who will know well how to deal with the villains, if what you say is true. We’ll tell him what has come to our ears.”
“Indeed what I say is true,” I exclaimed with energy. “They may be upon you at any moment, while you are unprepared.”