Soon the boys realized that the vessel was under way. They could tell by the motion.
Capt. Horn came down.
“Hello, cap,” called Frank. “Whither away?”
“Out to sea,” was the surly answer. “Going to drop you over where it is deep.”
“Couldn’t persuade you to change your mind about that? I don’t want to be dropped overboard.”
The man grunted. After a time another man came below. Capt. Horn rolled into a bunk and slept.
Frank strained and worked at his bonds. At first it seemed that he simply made them cut deeper and deeper into his wrists without loosening them in the least. After a time, he began to fancy he was making some progress.
If he could get his hands free he felt sure he would be able to liberate Hodge. Between them they could make a fight for life and liberty.
Hours passed. Capt. Horn got up and went on deck, accompanied by the man who had been in the cabin with him. Then the other two men came down and turned into the bunks. They seemed exhausted, and quickly fell asleep.
Morning dawned.