“Well, and what next?”
“Wildfire Ned and Bob Bertram made the best of their way to Garnet’s ship, the ‘Diamond,’ and went on board. The ship set sail immediately in search of the Skeleton Crew, and every man on board swore to be revenged.”
“If they fall in with Death-wing, then, we may expect to hear of some stirring news,” said the chief. “If they conquer Death-wing, or he conquer them, it’s all the same to us, you know, Dolphin.”
“True,” replied the messenger; “but I would much rather hear they had made short work of the Skeleton Crew, for we can generally manage to escape the revenue-cruisers, but it would puzzle the very devil to get out of the way of these grim and ghastly wretches,” said the Dolphin.
“So far we agree,” said the grim Chief. “But now to business. Have you found out anything more about that vessel you wrote to me about?”
“What, that ship which we have long expected from the East Indies?”
“Yes.”
“Of course I have; she is now in the offing; and, if the wind rises, we may expect her abreast of this place by midnight.”
“Good. Did you hear how many men she carries?”
“Only fifteen.”