CAPTAIN HANNOCK TRIES TO MAKE TERMS.
A sudden idea sprang into my mind. I would try it. If it failed there
would be no harm done.
Captain Hannock's reference to rats put me in mind of cats; and drawing
in my breath, I let off the most unearthly cat cry that has ever passed
my lips, a cry that astonished even myself.
Both of the men tumbled back in great haste. Then the captain set up a
laugh.
"It's a cat!" he cried. "Some old strayaway from the docks, I suppose."
"Must be a mighty large one," returned Lowell. "Hold the light up till I
catch her."
"Nonsense! Suppose I want to get bit and die of hydrophoby?" exclaimed
the captain. "Let her stay where she is. She can feed on the rats or
starve to death."
And taking the lantern, he moved off towards the other end of the hold.
Somewhat reluctantly Lowell followed him. Then I heard a sound as of a
hatch closing, and all became quiet.
I crawled from my hiding-place and made my way with all possible speed
to the trap-door. I reached up and knocked upon it softly, and in a
moment Dibble opened it from above.
"Quick!" I whispered. "They have been down after me. Let us get on deck,
just as if nothing had happened."
Dibble followed my advice. On reaching the deck I found that neither the
captain nor Lowell had put in an appearance. I saw Mr. Ranson still at
the bow, and immediately went forward to speak to him.
"Well, how did you make out?" he asked anxiously. "You have been a long
while."
"I've got all the evidence," I returned. "But we must be careful or we
shall be discovered. Listen to what I have done."
As quickly as I could I related my adventures down in the hold.
"You have done exceedingly well," he said, and laughed heartily over the
ruse I had used to escape detection. "Paving stones and kindling wood!
It is a great swindle indeed."
"I guess we won't need any more proofs than that," I said.
"No, indeed."
A moment later the captain came on deck followed by Lowell. They gazed
sharply about, and I was sure they were counting to see if any of the
men were missing, for presently the boatswain entered the forecastle to
see if one of the men was not there.
"I will have to leave you now," I said to the lawyer. "We must not
excite suspicion."
"You are right," he replied. "I will go into the cabin and take a rest
and think over what you have told me. We have as yet plenty of time in
which to act."
Ranson left me, and I joined Dibble, who was at work tarring some ropes.
It was not very agreeable work, but for the sake of being near him, and
at the same time to please Captain Hannock, I lent a hand, and we spent
the remainder of the day together.
"When shall we reach New Bedford?" I asked, as we were going to mess.
"Depends on the wind," was Dibble's reply. "If it holds out we may be
there by to-morrow morning."
"So soon!"
"Might have been there before if it hadn't been for the storm. That
knocked us clear out of our bearings."
My work had made me thoroughly tired, and, as a consequence, it did not
take me long to get to sleep when once I was in my bunk.
"The captain wants to see you," said Crocker, as soon as I awoke in the
morning.
"What about?"
"He didn't say. You are to go to the cabin."
"All right."
Wondering what was up I pulled on my clothing and made my way aft. The
captain was in the cabin alone.
"Well, Foster, I've sent for you to know what your intentions are," he
said, as I entered.
"In what respect, Captain Hannock?"
"About remaining on board. Of course you came on the ship under peculiar
circumstances, but I think you like the life, and I would like you to
remain on board for the trip. I will pay you the same as the other
hands."
Of course I was astonished at these words. What was up now? Had the
captain hatched out some plot against me?
I did not know then, as I know now, that Mr. Ranson had spoken of me,
and that in consequence Captain Hannock was rather alarmed over the
prospects should I get ashore. Kidnapping (as Mr. Ranson had put it) is
no light crime.
"I don't care to remain on board after we reach New Bedford," I replied,
after a moment's hesitation.
"Why not?"
"You ought to know as well as I do."
"But I don't. You signed articles, and----"
"I didn't sign anything," I interrupted.
"Your name appears on the books," he returned, with a shrug of his
shoulders.
"If it does, it's a forgery."
"I know nothing about that. But I am willing to do this: If you are
willing to go ashore quietly and say nothing, I am willing that you
shall do so."
"And if not?"
He frowned.
"Then you'll stay on board," he said sharply.
"Perhaps I won't," I replied with spirit. It is doubtful if I would have
spoken so sharply had I not had my friends on board.
"Yes, you will. Do you suppose I am going to let a boy ride over me? Not
much!"
"You had no right to take me on board."
"I have a right to take my men where I find them. Now get to your work.
I will give you half an hour to think over what I have said. Then you
will either sign off for the trip without pay, or you will continue on
the trip."
"And my money and the letter?"
"I have nothing to do with them," he replied coldly. "Now clear out!"
I went on deck. I was satisfied that there would be lively times ahead.
Yet little did I dream of all that was to befall me ere I parted company
with Captain Hannock and the Spitfire.