08 - A Plot Discovered

COME on,' said Justice.
'No,' replied Prudence. Her bravery had vanished. 'No. I'm frightened.'
'Come on,' said Justice. 'Let's go down and see what they are doing.'
Prudence felt too frightened to stay alone in the dark. She had to go on with her brother. They slid like silent snakes down the remaining steps. Soon they were knee-deep in spades and axes. Carefully they picked their way across the hold, through the tools, over the sacks and past the boxes. Once, Justice stepped on to a pile of tools and lost his balance with the moving of the ship in the heavy sea. He dislodged a pile of muskets and they fell with a clatter down amongst the chests. Justice froze — froze with horror. Prudence grabbed him and pulled him down to the safety of the darkness. She put her finger to her clenched lips. They could feel and hear their hearts pounding madly within them.