Vince at last; and he laid hold of the
wooden shutter which let in light and air to the narrow place, but only
let his arm fall to his side again, for it was firmly secured.

"Never mind," he added; "we'll make it all straight yet."

Hours had gone by, and from the bright streaks of light which stole in
beneath and over the door they knew that it was a fine morning; and, as
the dread had all passed away, they finished dressing, and sat in an
awkward position against the edge of the bottom bunk, listening to the
bustle on deck, till all at once it ceased and the men began to clap on
the hatches once again.

Then, as they listened, there came the sound of ropes being cast off,
the creaking and grinding ceased, the captain shouted something, and was
answered from a distance, and again from a greater distance, just as the
lugger heeled over a little, and there came the rattle and clanging of
the capstan, with the heave-ho singing of the men.

"We're under way again, Mike," said Vince; "and there's no chance of a
run for the shore this time."

He had hardly spoken when the heavy tread of the captain was heard once
more, and he stopped at the door to shoot a couple of bolts.

"_Bon jour, mes amis_. You feel youselfs ready for ze brearkfas?"

Vince did not reply, and the captain did not seem to expect it, for he
walked into the cabin, while the boys went on deck, to find that the men
were hoisting sail, while a three-masted lugger, of about the same build
as the one they were on, was a short distance off, making for the mouth
of the muddy river astern. They were about in the same place as they
were in when anchor was cast overnight, and it became evident to the
boys that the noise and grinding they had heard must have been caused by
the two vessels having been made fast one to the other while an exchange
of cargo took place.

"Where next?" thought Vince, as their sails filled in the light,
pleasant breeze of the sunny morning.

He was not long in doubt, for upon walking round by the steersman the
compass answered the question--their course was due south.

"Aha! you take a lesson in box ze compais," said a voice behind them.
"Good: now come and take one, and eat and drink. It is brearkfas time."

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

"TO VISTLE FOR ZE VIND."

Four days passed in the quiet, uneventful way familiar on board a small
vessel, with the prisoners sinking into that state of apathy known as
accepting the inevitabl