Chapter 17: The Pit and Chapter 18: Ship Taken Summary

Matt is given a hammock he knows will be almost impossible to get out of it without waking Crumlin or Szpirglas, asleep on the floor at his feet. When he thinks they are both asleep he begins the journey across the room to the window. Another body is asleep outside on the veranda, but Matt gets past him also. Then he is free and heads for the clearing where he hopes Kate waits. He searches the area, and then decides to go back where he discovers her fast asleep. He wakes her, and opens the door to find Szpirglas on the other side. Now, he knows the Aurora is near, and assembles a search party to find it. Meanwhile, Matt and Kate are thrown into a pit. The only air that...