He had bade them be in readiness on the first occasion on which rough weather might set in, and knew that they would now be expecting the signal.
As soon, then, as it became dark, and the hatch over the middle hold was closed; the planks were removed, and Francis and his party set to work shifting the sacks, in the corner where the sailors had cut the planks.

Each sack was taken up, and placed against the pile further on, without the slightest noise, until at last all were removed that stood in the way of the planks being taken down.

These were carried out into the hold.
Francis entered the gap.

The sailors had already been informed that the occasion had come, and that they were to remain perfectly quiet until bidden to move.
"All is prepared," he said as he entered.

"Rinaldo, do you see that the men come out one by one.