"We will get everything in readiness for hoisting the masts as soon as the galley has passed us on its way back.

There is no fear of their coming along again later on, for the men will have had an eight hours' row of it; the first part, at any rate, at full speed.

Besides, they will not know, until all the galleys return, that we have not been found, so I think it will be quite safe to get up the masts as soon as they have passed.

Then directly it is dark we will man our oars and row to the southwest.

We shall be far away before morning, even if they look further for us, which they are hardly likely to do." "How about the prisoners, captain ?" "We have no choice but to take them with us, Messer Francisco.