This movement, though so roughly executed, was performed with lightning rapidity. My companions and I had not time to look about us. I do not know that it was a great trial, our being thus introduced into the floating prison, but, for my own part, I must say that a rapid shudder went through me. With whom had we to do? Doubtless with some pirates, who were exploring the seas after their own fashion.

Scarcely had the narrow panel been closed than we were surrounded by thick darkness. My eyes coming from the daylight so suddenly could distinguish nothing. I felt that I was upon an iron ladder. Ned Land and Conseil, held tightly, followed me. At the bottom of the ladder a door was opened, and was shut upon us with a loud noise. We were left to ourselves. Where? I could not say—scarcely fancy. All around us was of such an absolute blackness that even after a time my eyes perceived none of those rays which are perceptible in the darkest nights.