Page:The Great Secret.djvu/71

Rh round them only dimly penetrated by that distant glimmering of crimson light. ` "It is growing brighter; it comes from below us," said Adela.

"We cannot remain long here. Surely the ship cannot be on fire."

"No," replied Philip.

"It is the engine fires, which they are stocking far below us. We are in a portion of the hold where possibly those others who have escaped are also concealed. Let us stay where we are for a little longer, until the ship gets up steam, then we shall be able to find shelter in some of the aft cabins."

"But they will search these cabins first."

"Yes; that is probably what they are doing at present, and after they make an examination we shall be most likely left alone."

"How cold and damp it is down here," moaned poor Chiver, as he shuddered violently on his perch. "It seems as if the blood was dropping upon me like ice drops from the bodies who lie above. Oh, this is dreadful!"

"Don't speak in that way, Dr Chiver, you frighten me," and Adela crept nearer to Philip, who clasped her closely to him as he turned roughly on the miserable little medicus.

"Don't be a fool, Chiver. We have escaped the greatest danger; keep quiet now and you'll be all right. We shall be able to find food enough, and after this night shelter also, if we don't lose our presence of mind. You have heard that they intend taking the vessel somewhere, so that there will be lots of chances for us to get ashore once we are there."

A long silence ensued after this, during which he held Adela, while the doctor sat beside them. For lack of a better occupation they watched that lurid