The difficulty is not in the work itself, but in doing it unobserved." "That is difficult, indeed," Matteo said, "seeing that the Genoese sailors are quartered in the forecastle above the forehold, while the officers will be in the cabins in the poop over us." "That is so, Matteo, and for that reason, it is clear that it is we, not the sailors, who must cut through the planks above.

There are no divisions in the forecastle, and it will be, therefore, absolutely impossible to cut through into it, without being perceived long before a hole is made of a sufficient size to enable us to get out.

Here we may succeed better, for fortunately we know the exact plan of the cabins above us, and can choose a spot where we should not be likely to be noticed." "That is so," Matteo agreed, "and as they will not have as many officers as we had--that is, including the volunteers--some of the cabins will not be occupied.

Perhaps, by listening to the footsteps above, we might find out which are vacant." "I thought of that, Matteo, but I doubt whether it would be well to rely upon that.

Many on board ship wear soft shoes, which make but little noise, and it would be fatal to us were we to make a mistake.
After thinking it over, I have decided that we had best try to cut a way up into the captain's cabin." "But that is sure to be occupied, Messer Hammond," Parucchi said.
"Yes, it will be certainly be occupied; but it affords a good opportunity of success.