"It does seem hard to send them down into that stifling hold," said Mark; "but I suppose it must be done." "Yes, and at once," said Mr Russell, firmly. "Call that big black." Mark went forward and summoned Soup, who came smiling, to look from one to the other inquiringly. With some difficulty he was made to understand what was wanted; and as soon as he did he called his companion, and in a very few minutes they had cleared the deck, the women and children going below docilely enough, and the men making not the slightest opposition, though giving a longing look round at the soft evening sky. "No trouble there," said Mr Russell. "Now, Vandean, I propose that we divide the night. I'll take the watch, and will call you for the next, unless the wind springs up, and then of course it will be all hands on deck. Who will you have in your watch--Dance, or Fillot?" "Fillot," said Mark, promptly. "Most amusing companion, but Dance is the better seaman." "Shall I have Dance, then, sir?" "I would rather you did, my lad, as the responsibility is great, and I should lie down to rest with more confidence. Not that I doubt you," he hastened to add. "There, I'll join you at a bit of supper at once. Things seem pretty comfortable in the cabin, and, as it is our prize, we may make free with what we like. Come along." Mark gave a sharp look round as they walked toward the cabin-hatch, to see through the hot glow the _Nautilus_ at anchor, looking trim, and with every yard squared. She seemed to stand up out of the water in the transparent atmosphere, with every rope clearly seen, but there was a peculiar look seaward, as if the transparent darkness were sweeping over the ocean to shut her in. He looked shoreward to faintly discern the tops of some palms, but all below these was shut in by haze which rose from the mouth of the river. "Doesn't look a healthy place, and this can't be a healthy ship, Vandean, but we must make the best of it, and be off to sea at the first chance." They both stood at the head of the cabin stairs, and took another look round, to see if anything had been left undone; and just then Dance the coxswain came up and touched his hat. "Shall I hoist an anchor-light, sir, as soon as it's dark?" said the man, respectfully. "No," replied the lieutenant, decisively. "No one is likely to run us down, here. Now, Vandean." He led the way into the cabin, saying, "We don't want to show people ashore where we are. Hah! that's right. This is Tom Fillot's doing. He's a handy fellow."