There was some low talking above, and some coarse laughter.
"Master Rupert," Hugh exclaimed suddenly, "I am standing in water!" Rupert had half lain down again, but he leapt up now.
"They have scuttled the boat, Hugh, and mean to drown us like rats; the cowards." "What's to be done now, Master Rupert ?" Hugh asked.
"Let us try the door, Hugh." A single effort showed that they were powerless here.

The door was strong, it was fastened outside, and it was heavily weighted with coils of rope and other substances.
"The water rises fast.

It's over our ankles," Hugh said quietly.
The bumping of a boat was again heard outside, then a trampling of feet, and all was still again.
"They have taken to the boats." Not all, however, for through the door there came a shout, "Goodbye, Master Holliday," and a loud, jeering laugh.
"Au revoir, Sir Richard Fulke," Rupert shouted back; "and when we meet next, beware!" "Ha, ha! it won't be in this world;" and they heard their enemy get into the boat.
"Now, Hugh, we must set to work; we have got the boat to ourselves." "But what are we to do, Master Rupert ?" Rupert was silent for a minute.
"There is but one way, Hugh.

We must blow up the boat." "Blow up the boat!" Hugh repeated, in astonishment.
"Yes, Hugh.

At least, blow the deck up.