The cargo was safely stowed in the interior of a large grotto, with access to it by a narrow opening.

We were to inhabit the adjoining grotto, and Endicott set up his kitchen in the latter, on the advice of the boatswain.

Thus we should profit by the heat of the stove, which was to cook our food and warm the cavern during the long days, or rather the long nights of the austral winter.
During the process of housing and storing, I observed nothing to arouse suspicion in the bearing of Hearne and the Falklands men.
Nevertheless, the half-breed was kept on guard at the boat, which might easily have been seized upon the beach.
Hurliguerly, who observed his comrades closely, appeared less anxious.
On that same evening Captain Len Guy, having reassembled his people, stated that the question should be discussed on the morrow, adding that, if it were decided in the affirmative, lots should be drawn immediately.

No reply was made.
It was late, and half dark outside, for at this date the sun was on the edge of the horizon, and would very soon disappear below it.
I had been asleep for some hours when I was awakened by a great shouting at a short distance.

I sprang up instantly and darted out of lhe cavern, simultaneously with the captain and West, who had also been suddenly aroused from sleep.
"The boat! the boat!" cried West.
The boat was no longer in its place--that place so jealously guarded by Dirk Peters.
After they had pushed the boat into the sea, three men had got into it with bales and casks, while ten others strove to control the half-breed.
Hearne was there, and Martin Holt also; the latter, it seemed to me, was not interfering.
These wretches, then, intended to depart before the lots were drawn; they meant to forsake us.