.

NEARER THE TRUTH.
For a few moments there was silence.

Lucy and Archie sat still, as they were too much surprised by Don Pedro's recognition of Captain Hervey as the Swedish sailor Vasa to move or speak.

But the Professor did not seem to be greatly astonished, and the sole sound which broke the stillness was his sardonic chuckle.

Perhaps the little man had progressed beyond the point of being surprised at anything, or, like, Moliere's hero, was only surprised at finding virtue in unexpected places.
As for the Peruvian and the skipper, they were both on their feet, eyeing one another like two fighting dogs.