A minute or two later Henderson returned to the deck with the intelligence that he had found a fine store-room abaft the fore-peak which could be cleared out in a few minutes, and which would afford ample room for such of the prisoners as it would be necessary to put under restraint.  Upon hearing this I went down below with him, leaving Simmons in charge of the deck, and personally inspected the place, which appeared to be excellent in every way for the proposed purpose.  I, therefore, gave him orders to take five men and clear the place out forthwith, after which he was to get the prisoners below and secure them.  And while he was doing this I went aft to the cabin in search of writing materials wherewith to pen a brief report to Captain Vavassour.