CHAPTER VII.
A GATHERING IN THE DARK.
As yet they had the advantage, for a number of cross iron bars flung a patchwork of shadow upon them where they sat, so that they could see without being seen, but for how long it was impossible to say.
Philip looked about him anxiously to find out where he was, and observed that the hold occupied the entire length of the saloon, and was fairly well and compactly packed, with luggage and freight. A few feet only separated them from the storage, therefore they were in no danger of hurting themselves by a fall.
"No one there, I think, Pedro?" asked a voice.
"I think not, but we may as well go and examine,"—saying which the man with the lamp leapt down upon a sea-chest, and was quickly followed by another, both armed with cutlasses and revolvers.
"Courage, dear Adela; I shall kill these two if they see us," whispered Philip between his teeth, while he felt for the weapons he had armed himself with at the first. He still had the pistols in his sash.
The two men stood for a moment swinging the lamp about, and throwing its rays in different directions, yet, where they were now, the shadow of the beam itself covered those upon it.
"Dr Fernandez was right, Pedro; there is not a liv-
