They knew that the loading was going on--nothing more.
"Well, we are clever ones," said Vince at last; and he laid hold of the wooden shutter which let in light and air to the narrow place, but only let his arm fall to his side again, for it was firmly secured.
"Never mind," he added; "we'll make it all straight yet." Hours had gone by, and from the bright streaks of light which stole in beneath and over the door they knew that it was a fine morning; and, as the dread had all passed away, they finished dressing, and sat in an awkward position against the edge of the bottom bunk, listening to the bustle on deck, till all at once it ceased and the men began to clap on the hatches once again.
Then, as they listened, there came the sound of ropes being cast off, the creaking and grinding ceased, the captain shouted something, and was answered from a distance, and again from a greater distance, just as the lugger heeled over a little, and there came the rattle and clanging of the capstan, with the heave-ho singing of the men.
"We're under way again, Mike," said Vince; "and there's no chance of a run for the shore this time." He had hardly spoken when the heavy tread of the captain was heard once more, and he stopped at the door to shoot a couple of bolts.
"_Bon jour, mes amis_.

You feel youselfs ready for ze brearkfas ?" Vince did not reply, and the captain did not seem to expect it, for he walked into the cabin, while the boys went on deck, to find that the men were hoisting sail, while a three-masted lugger, of about the same build as the one they were on, was a short distance off, making for the mouth of the muddy river astern.

They were about in the same place as they were in when anchor was cast overnight, and it became evident to the boys that the noise and grinding they had heard must have been caused by the two vessels having been made fast one to the other while an exchange of cargo took place.
"Where next ?" thought Vince, as their sails filled in the light, pleasant breeze of the sunny morning.
He was not long in doubt, for upon walking round by the steersman the compass answered the question--their course was due south.
"Aha! you take a lesson in box ze compais," said a voice behind them.
"Good: now come and take one, and eat and drink.

It is brearkfas time.".