Mr Preddle was almost speechless with excitement when the plan was broached to him, and he declared it to be too good for there to be any failure. "Why, we have only to loosen a board or two on my side, go through, watch our opportunity, and then go from cabin to cabin and let out our friends; then wait till the mutineers are all quiet below, and fasten the hatches tight down upon them. Alison Dale, my dear boy, we shall re-take the ship, save the ladies, and I shall, after all, get across with the greater part of my consignment of salmon and trout." He had his plump round face to the opening looking in at us as he said all this, and I could see that his eyes were sparkling with pleasure at the thought of the great success that was coming. "It is very easy in theory, Preddle," said Mr Frewen, "but I don't know that it is going to turn out so satisfactory in practice." "Oh, my dear Frewen, don't throw cold water on the plan, pray," he cried. "Not a drop," said Mr Frewen. "And you will try?" "Oh yes; anything that promises success in any shape. We cannot sit still. We must master them." "But are you strong enough to try?" "I'll make myself strong enough," said Mr Frewen, quietly. "Then which board shall we try to loosen first?" "Hist! some one coming," I said quickly, and I moved a couple of bottles belonging to Mr Frewen's store across the little opening, and took down another bottle to remove the stopper and begin sniffing at it as there was a sudden rattling at the door, which was thrown open, and Jarette entered. He left a bodyguard of five or six well-armed men outside, among whom I saw Bob Hampton, and I felt so enraged against him that I fixed him with my eye, but he seemed in no wise abashed, looking boldly back at me, and giving me quite a friendly nod. "Treacherous brute!" I muttered, and turned away to find Jarette looking at me searchingly. "Not dead yet then?" he said, with a half-laugh. Then to Mr Frewen-- "Well, doctor, you've patched yourself up, I see. What do you say to come under my flag?" "Prison flag!" said Mr Frewen, contemptuously. "Oh no, my good friend; in my little kingdom I am going to found. What do you say to a lovely spice island, all sunshine and flowers, where I can start a new civilisation? I offer you a fine position there as the only doctor. What do you say?" "No, of course," replied Mr Frewen, contemptuously. "Ah, you'll think better of it. I've started the idea too suddenly for you now you're sore; but you'll come round, and the sooner you do the more comfortable you'll be. It must come to that. You'll have no other chance." "We shall see," said Mr Frewen, coldly. Jarette looked at him sharply, and then all about the narrow cabin before fixing his eyes again upon my fellow-prisoner.