Two of his comrades lifted Francis so that his head was above the level of the hole, and he was enabled to see into the cabin.

So far as he could tell, it was untenanted, but it was possible that the commander might be on the divan above him.

This was not, however, likely, as in the gale that was now blowing he would probably be on deck, directing the working of the ship.
Francis now gave the signal, and the others raised him still further, until he was able to get his weight upon the deck above, and he then crawled along underneath the divan, and lay there quiet until Parucchi and Matteo had both reached the deck.

Then he gave the word, and all three rolled out and leaped to their feet, with their daggers in their hands, in readiness to fall upon the captain should he be on the divan.
As they had hoped and expected, the cabin was untenanted.

The other volunteers now joined them, the last giving the word to Rinaldo, who soon passed up, followed by the crew, until the cabin was as full as it could contain.