Somers went below. As he entered the ward-room, Mr. Hackleford came out of his state-room. This gentleman evidently intended to keep a sharp lookout for the officer of the deck during his watch. He asked the relieved officer if anything more had transpired, and the unimportant conversation which had just taken place was fully reported to him. "Mr. Somers, I haven't slept an hour during the night. There are one or two points in your statement which were a little dark to me," said Mr. Hackleford. "More than that of it is dark to me. I do not profess to understand the whole of it. I only state the facts from my own point of view." "You listened to this talk between Coles and Langdon at the sailors' boarding-house in Front Street?" "Yes, sir." "If you saw Coles there, how could--" "I didn't see him, sir; I only heard him." "That accounts for it," said Mr. Hackleford, musing. "Didn't you recognize Mr. Pillgrim's voice?" "No, sir; I think he changed it; though the two tones were so similar that I might have recognized it, if I had suspected they were the same person." Mr. Hackleford asked other questions, which Somers answered with strict regard to the truth, rather than with the intention of removing the first lieutenant's doubts. He wanted only facts himself, and he was careful not to distort them, in order to confirm any theory of his own or of his superior officer. Mr. Hackleford went on deck, and Somers turned in. He was in condition to sleep now, and he improved his four hours below to the best advantage. After general quarters, when the crew were dismissed, he went down to his state-room, prepared to meet Mr. Pillgrim. He was surprised to know how little curiosity he felt to learn what the traitor wanted and expected of him. Punctual to the appointed time, which exhibited the interest he felt in the expected interview, the treacherous second lieutenant made his appearance. Somers received him as one officer should receive another, though it was hard work for him to disguise the contempt and detestation with which he regarded the traitor. "Well, Somers, now I am to tell you what I want of you. It isn't much, as I warned you before; and I am very glad to see that you are in such a happy frame of mind." "I am ready to hear you, and do the best I can," replied Somers, carefully following the instructions of Mr. Hackleford with regard to matter and manner. He had been cautioned to be ready enough in listening to the chief conspirator, but not too ready, so as to betray his object. "Good! I think you understand me now." "I think I do, sir." "I am sorry to do it, but it is necessary for me to remind you again that your fate is in my hands; that a word from me would subject you to a trial by court martial for treason, and probably to more hemp rope than would feel good about your neck." "Though I don't think I am in so much danger as you represent, I will grant your position."