The carpenters, before anything else could be done, had to stop the shot-holes between wind and water, through which the sea was pouring in several places.
It was possible that the prisoners might not resist the temptation, while the crew were engaged, to attempt retaking the ship.
The captain and officers redoubled their watchfulness. The crew went steadily about their work, as men who knew that their lives depended on their exertions. Even the stoutest-hearted, however, looked grave.
The weather was changing for the worse, and should the wind come from the northward, they would have a hard matter to escape being wrecked, even could they keep the ship afloat.
The enemy, too, was near at hand, and might at any moment bear down upon them, and recommence the action.
The first lieutenant, as he was coming along the deck, met Bill, who was trying to make himself useful in helping where he was wanted.
“Rayner,” said Mr Saltwell, “I want you to keep an eye on the prisoners, and report to the captain or me, should you see anything suspicious in their conduct—if they are talking together, or look as if they were waiting for a signal. I know I can trust you, my boy.”
Bill touched his hat.
“I will do my best, sir,” he answered; and he slipped down to where the prisoners were congregated.
They did not suspect that he had before informed the captain of their intended outbreak, or it would have fared but ill with him.