Matt, however, did not change his plans. Carl was a good man in a set-to, if there should be one, but he was apt to lose his head.
Glennie repeated Matt's words to the Chilian, and the latter's face cleared as if by magic. No doubt he thought that he and his comrades were to have their own way on the _Grampus_.
"He says all right, Matt," said Glennie, "but he warns us that if we try to do anything more than obey orders he will shoot. He and his comrades are determined to reach the River Plate, and are willing to give up their lives trying to do so."
"If he can take chances," said Matt grimly, "then so can we."
The Chilian gave an order to the three men with him, and the ropes were taken off the ensign's hands. The three Chilians then led him out of the room.
"Count on me to do everything that's possible, Matt," called Glennie.
When they were gone, the leader himself cut the cords that bound Matt. Presenting the revolver, he motioned sternly for Matt to rise and proceed through the door.
Matt did not intend to rebel just then. He was anxious to get the _Grampus_ to the surface; then, after that, he and his two friends could do whatever they thought best.
The Chilians were playing a desperate game; and the fact that they were obliged to rely on their prisoners for running the boat made it all the more hazardous.
The young motorist proceeded forthwith to the engine room. Kneeling behind him, his captor continued to keep him covered with the weapon.
Presently Dick, followed by another Chilian armed with a harpoon that belonged on the boat, appeared in the tank room.
"Keep your offing, you loafing longshore scuttler!" cried Dick angrily as the Chilian touched him with the sharp point of the harpoon. "You're the swab I saved from the wreck, and I wish now I had let you go to the sharks. Matt, old ship, what do you think of this?"
"Never mind, Dick, what I think of it," answered Matt. "We'll get the _Grampus_ to the top of the water; then, if they want her sunk again, you'll find there's something wrong with the ballast tanks. There'll be three of us free, and perhaps we can do something."
"All I want is half a chance," growled Dick savagely.
"The first thing you do," spoke up Gaines, "cut me loose. That will make four of us--only one apiece."
