“It’s dark as a cave down there,” said Jo. “They will be sure to hear us.”
“We will wear our moccasins,” replied Tom, “and there isn’t any bric-a-brac to knock over.”
“I tell you what!” cried Jo, exhilarated by a sudden and brilliant idea. “Let’s rub matches on our faces, when we go down.”
“Same as Jim did when we were in the Hollow Mountain, and he surprised those Hawaiian Priests!” exclaimed Tom. “Gee! but you have got a good head on you, Jo. That’s what we will do.”
“Here’s plenty of matches,” said Jo. “We must be careful and not let them get too damp. Another thing, we will have to look out and not let the Captain see us, or Jim, either, or there will be something brewing.”
“What do you suppose the old gentleman would do to us if he saw us snooping along?” inquired Tom apprehensively, for he stood in much awe of the captain.
“You had better stay in your little crib if you are so alarmed,” remarked Jo.
“I’m ready when you are,” said Tom gruffly.
Then they started moving silently along the deck, though the fierce wind that swept the ship gave them an excellent protection. Still they proceeded very cautiously, keeping close to the galley and the wall of the engine-room. Just then the shepherd’s dog jumped up from the shelter where he was waiting for his master to come up from below.