So saying, he turned and dropped over into the boat, which instantly rowed away.
Immediately afterward the order was given to crowd all canvas and put the ship about.
While it was being executed the captain of the motley crew strode up to Leicester and unbound his hands and removed the gag.
Leicester sprang to his feet.
"Stranger," he said, with that nasal twang which proclaimed the Yankee, "I guess we'd better understand each other. I'm captain of this yere vessel, and what I say I mean; and no gentleman, whether he's an etarnal Britisher or a free man born under the Stars and Stripes can mean more. You've been consigned to my charge under peculiar circumstances. I'm to take care of you, keep yer safe and sound, and drop you soft as a kitten at a sartain place. Them's my instructions, and them's my intentions."
"I will offer no resistance to this villainous oppression," said Leicester, "on the condition that I am not kept in confinement and am allowed to mingle with and assist your crew."
The Yankee thought a moment and nodded.
"That's fair," he said. "And I agree, with this yere stipulation, that you comes no nonsense with my men, none of yer pitching yarns or tempting to a mutiny."
Leicester smiled bitterly as he glanced at the villainous countenance of the crew.
"I give you that promise," he said.