“We are left behind. The captain and the crew have left in the long-boat, and have deserted the ship.”
CHAPTER XVI.
THE WRECK.
Will Bertram was utterly overwhelmed at the intelligence conveyed by Tom’s announcement of the condition of affairs on the deck of the Golden Moose.
For some moments he did not speak. The peril of their situation stunned him completely.
“They could not have been so cowardly, so inhuman,” he murmured.
“Maybe the men didn’t miss us in the excitement, and the Captain wanted to leave us behind,” remarked Tom.
Will groped his way to a place where a lamp was fastened to the wall and lit it.
Its rays showed the boatswain, insensible on the floor. Will leaned over him and shook him gently.
In a few moments he had the satisfaction of seeing him move, open his eyes and stare bewilderedly around him.