Page:The Great Secret.djvu/70

54 "He thinks I am slain," whispered Adela. "He has seen a body like mine. I saw one also that was like me as I rose. It is as well that he should think me dead."

Her voice trembled slightly as she whispered this to her friend. It is not nice to think that the best thing to happen to ourselves is death. People often say that they wish they were dead, yet few of them desire it in reality.

Again the voice of Dr Fernandez fell upon their ears.

"You are satisfied, comrades, with the work which has been accomplished, I trust. Not one of us has suffered by a single scratch. Not one of those whom we must consider enemies have escaped. We are masters of the position, owners of this mighty ship, which, I suppose, had better be set agoing again in our direction."

"We are satisfied with your work, doctor, and could not wish a better leader."

"No, comrades, I have no knowledge of the sea. Captain Anatole must take the command."

"I am willing," said a deep voice; "and now go to choose my officers and men."

"When will we be ready to start?"

"Within half an hour we shall be on our way. My comrades are good sailors and good engineers. I suppose you will keep to the second saloon for the rest of the voyage, since this is so much damaged."

"Yes; we can get this damage put to rights over there when we arrive."

Philip and his companions heard the miscreants walk off towards the other parts of the vessel, while they still remained crouched upon the iron beam, with the