He took the key from Jack’s hand and went forthwith into the forecastle.
Will and Tom heard the sound of approaching footsteps, but, little dreaming of what had transpired on the deck, supposed it was the boatswain bent on another visit to them, as the key grated in the lock.
The door opened.
Will Bertram stood transfixed, while Tom Dalton shrank back with a feeble cry of dread.
For a single moment Captain Morris stood rooted to the spot, gazing amazedly at the two boys.
“I told you, captain, Tom Dalton was there,” muttered Allen.
“But no spirit,” cried Captain Morris, his eyes flashing with malice. “Tom Dalton, eh? Well, my runaway cabin boy, we’ll now attend to the whipping you got out of so nicely at Watertown a month ago.”
And seizing the terrified Tom he dragged him triumphantly to the deck of the ship.