This plan was at last, so I suppose, adopted. I looked as unconcerned as possible, as if I had not heard anything of what was said. I feared, however, that there was great danger of the Diamond being taken, as the pirates appeared to have a large force at their command.
I did not like to leave the room as long as the men were talking, hoping by staying to gain further information about their plans. It was evident they were thoroughly well informed of all that was going forward, and it became, therefore, very important that I should be careful as to my proceedings. I had observed near me a sunburnt, weather-beaten man, in the dress of a sea officer, who every now and then glanced up at the pirates as they spoke. Once I caught his eye, and, by the look he gave me, I felt sure that he knew I had been listening.
A’Dale and I, having finished our supper, got up, I proposing to take a turn in the fresh air before going to bed. As we had been talking of our voyage, I knew that the stranger, who must have overheard what we said, was aware that our ship was bound for London. We stood outside the door of the hostel for some minutes, before deciding which direction we should take. Just as we were moving on, I felt a hand placed on my shoulder.
“Young master,” said the stranger, “excuse my interruption. I heard you remark that you were in the service of Sir Thomas Gresham, and about to sail on board the Diamond. I heard, too, what was said by those other men. You understand what they said, I think?”
“Not I, indeed,” answered A’Dale, who now for the first time heard of the plot, for I had been unable before to tell him of it. “I do not know what you mean.”
“I do, however, sir,” I observed. “I would ask you whether you know anything about these men, and whether they are likely to carry out their project?”
“I feel very sure they will carry it out. The only way that I can see, is to be ready for them,” answered the stranger. “I fear, however, that the crew of the Diamond is too small to defend her. My own vessel lies at no great distance; and if you will accept it, I will render you all the assistance in my power.”
“Thank you, friend!” exclaimed A’Dale; “though I doubt not we should be able to beat back any marauders, yet a few more stout arms would be of great assistance.”
But I was not quite so willing to accept the offer of the stranger. I had learnt caution. It was a quality greatly inculcated on all his inferiors by Sir Thomas Gresham. Perhaps, I thought, this very man is only a confederate, and hopes thus to obtain quiet possession of the vessel.
“Thank you, my friend,” I answered, turning to the stranger. “We will communicate your offer to the captain; but we are only passengers on board; we have no command over her, and without his sanction I cannot venture to accept your offer.”