The trio came on board, and Christy fixed himself so that he could hear every word that was said, for there was a small opening under the berth through which the superfluous length of a pair of oars could be thrust when not in use.
Christy, without the remotest suspicion on the part of the plotters that they could be heard by any living being, and especially not by so dangerous a character as Christy had proved himself to be to the peace and dignity of the Confederacy, heard all that was said, and he obtained a full idea of the intentions of the conspirators.

When they went on board of the Bellevite, he was so excited that he could no longer remain in his prison, but came out, and crept up the accommodation ladder to the deck of the steamer.

But he was careful not to show himself, and, having a key to the cabin, he went into it, locking the door after him.
Then he had a chance to think.
What should he do?
He had no force at hand to beat off such a party as Captain Carboneer mentioned.

They might carry out their plot that very night, as they had talked of doing.

Perhaps it would be executed at once, even while he was on board, and he would then be a prisoner.