“No, it isn’t Jerry,” spoke Paxton, from where he stood at the wheel, being somewhat hidden from the sight of the boys. “It’s some friends of mine.”
“Who are you?” asked Ned, walking in the direction of the voice.
“Never mind who I am,” replied the man. “You’ll learn soon enough. But first you’ll have to learn a little bit about how we do things aboard ship. So stop just where you are, young man. If you come any nearer it might be dangerous for you. This part of the vessel is sacred to the captain and his friends. For the present you represent the crew, and the crew’s place is forward.
“So just march over to the fo’castle, and stay there until I tell you to come aft. Take your beds with you, if you like, and bunk there.”
“You seem to be running things with a pretty high hand,” said Ned.
“Well, I guess I’ve got a right to. This is my ship. I didn’t invite you to come aboard. But now you’re here you may not find it so easy to get away. I may like your company.”
“Are you aware that we have proof that you and your gang was concerned in the robbery of my father’s store?” asked Ned.
“I’m not good at answering riddles,” replied Paxton, composedly smoking away. “Now you do as I say before I get mad and cause you trouble.”
The schooner was now well out in the middle of the lake. It was getting quite light, but the boys could see no help at hand. The motor boat was steadily towing away.
“What shall we do?” asked Bob of Ned, in a low voice.