He stiffened with apprehension, and was about to speak when a shaft of light clove the gloom above their heads, coming from the door of the poop cabin which had just been opened.

It closed again, and presently there was a step on the companion.

Don Diego was approaching.

Captain Blood's fingers pressed Jerry's shoulder with significance.

Then he called the Don, and spoke to him in English as had become his custom when others were present.
"Will ye settle a slight dispute for us, Don Diego ?" said he lightly.
"We are arguing, Mr.Pitt and I, as to which is the North Star." "So ?" The Spaniard's tone was easy; there was almost a suggestion that laughter lurked behind it, and the reason for this was yielded by his next sentence.