"And what do you propose to do next?" I asked, my heart leaping wildly.
"Is he alive?"
"Yes."
"Then let us bind him first of all—and tie him fast to one of the big boxes. I don't believe anybody will come down here right away."
To tie up the unconscious man was an easy task. He was coming around gradually, and presently he opened his eyes and stared at us, jabbering away in Spanish in the meanwhile.
"You keep quiet," whispering Oliver sternly. "If you don't" He finished by thrusting the pistol forward. At this Captain Marcale emitted a deep groan.
"Do not shoot! I will be quiet," he muttered hoarsely.
"Very well. Now answer me truthfully. How many men have you on board of this craft?"
"Nine."
"A rather short crew."
"I counted on you two boys."
"I suppose you did. Have you any Americans on board?"
"No. But there is one English sailor."
"What is his name?"
"Sam Gumbert."
"Where did he ship from?"
