in it. I turned it gently, but being a good lock, it
snapped loud. I paused in fear--but Marables still slept. The cupboard
had three shelves, and every shelf was loaded with silver spoons, forks,
and every variety of plate, mixed with watches, bracelets, and ornaments
of every description. There was, I perceived, a label on each, with a
peculiar mark. Wishing to have an accurate survey, and encouraged by my
discovery, I turned to the cupboard opposite, on the larboard side, and
I opened it. It contained silk handkerchiefs in every variety, lace
veils, and various other articles of value; on the lower shelf were laid
three pairs of pistols. I was now satisfied, and closing the last
cupboard, which had not been locked, was about to retreat, when I
recollected that I had not re-locked the first cupboard, and that they
might not, by finding it open, suspect my visit, I turned the key. It
made a louder snap than before. I heard Marables start from his slumber
on deck; in a moment I blew out the lamp, and remained quiet. Marables
got up, took a turn or two, looked at the cabin doors, which were shut,
and opened them a little. Perceiving that the lamp had, as he thought,
gone out, he shut them again, and, to my consternation, turned the key.
There I was, locked up, until the arrival of Fleming--then to be left to
his mercy. I hardly knew how to act: at last I resolved upon calling to
Marables, as I dreaded his anger less than Fleming's. Then it occurred
to me that Marables might come in, feel for the lamp to re-light it, and
that, as he came in on one side of the cabin, I might, in the dark,
escape by the other. This all but forlorn hope prevented me for some
time from applying to him. At last I made up my mind that I would, and
ran from the locker to call through the door, when I heard the sound of
oars. I paused again--loitered--the boat was alongside, and I heard
Fleming jump upon the deck.

"Quick," said he to Marables, as he came to the cabin-door, and tried to
open it; "We've no time to lose--we must get up the sacks and sink
everything. Two of them have 'peached, and the fence will be
discovered."

He took the keys from Marables and opened the door; I had replaced the
lamp upon the table. Fleming entered, took a seat on the locker on the
larboard side, and felt for the lamp. Marables followed him, and sat
down on the starboard locker;--escape was impossible. With a throbbing
heart I sat in silence