Some
were for scuttling her and saying that she had foundered, while they had
escaped in the boats, but the boats would not hold them all, and could
they trust each other? What likelihood that all would adhere to the
same tale? Was it probable that all the crew should have escaped, and
not an officer with them? The boats might separate, to be sure, but to
what lands could they direct their different courses? On what shore,
inhabited by countrymen, dared they place their feet without fear of
detection? Discussions loud and long took place. It was agreed that
the ship should be carried to a Spanish port; sold, if the sale could be
effected, and with the proceeds and with such valuables as the murdered
officers possessed, they would separate in various directions, and by
changing their names, avoid all chance of discovery.

But while these dreadful events were occurring, what had become of those
who had been so lately rescued from a terrible fate on the raft? Had
they suffered one still more terrible by the hands of their own
countrymen? Paul Gerrard was asleep in his hammock when he heard a
voice calling him. It was that of old James Croxton.

"Turn out, Paul," he said, "there is some fearful work going forward on
deck, and I know not who may be the sufferers. We may save some of
them, though."

Paul was on his feet and dressed in an instant.

"What is to be done?" he asked.

"Mr Devereux is in danger; we might save him," said the old man. "The
people are gone mad. Come along."

Paul followed Croxton to the sick bay. Devereux had heard the
disturbance, and from the expressions uttered by the men as they passed,
feared that an attack was being made on the officers of the ship. He
was endeavouring to get up for the purpose of joining the officers, and
sharing their fate, whatever that might be. O'Grady was still asleep.
Croxton guessed what Devereux was about to do.

"It's of no use, sir--they'll only murder you with the rest," he
whispered: "you must keep out of their way till they're cool. Rouse up
Mr O'Grady, Paul, and come along."

Saying this, the old man, with a strength scarcely to be expected,
lifted up Devereux, and carried, rather than led him, down to the hold.
Paul, meantime, had awakened O'Grady, who, though not comprehending what
had occurred, followed him mechanically. The two midshipmen found
themselves stowed away in total darkness among chests and casks
containing stores of vario