“Because it is one thing to stop them on the high seas and another to stop them in United States waters. Remember, Porto Rico is now a part of Uncle Sam’s domain.”
“Yes, I’d rather go at them there than on the high seas,” answered Dave. “But they mustn’t get away again, no matter where we have to tackle them,” he added, determinedly.
It was impossible to transfer those ashore to the Golden Eagle during the darkness, because of the danger in the breakers, so they had to wait until daylight before departing.
Among those to go were, of course, the sailors who had come ashore from the wreck of the Emma Brower. Captain Sanders told them they could remain on the island if they wished, but they set up an immediate protest.
“It’s not a fit place for any man,” said one of the tars. “There is very little game and not much fruit, and one is continually in danger of falling into a hole or a cave. I’ll go to Porto Rico gladly, and so will my mates, and we’ll work our passage, if you’re willing.”
“All right,” said Captain Sanders. “But you’ll not have much to do, as we have about all the hands we need.”
When aboard the ship, the captain and the boys listened to the story the mate had to tell. Then they learned that the storm had blown the Golden Eagle many miles from Cave Island, and in trying to avoid some of the keys of another island, the vessel had lost the top of one of the masts and the rudder had been damaged. This had necessitated much delay, which accounted for the non-appearance of the vessel when expected.
While making repairs, the vessel had been passed by a tramp steamer bound for Trinidad. The captain of the steamer had asked if he could be of assistance, and after being told no, had given the information that he had picked up three rowboat loads of passengers and crew from the ill-fated Emma Brower. It may be mentioned here that another boat load from the same vessel managed to reach another island in that vicinity, and in the end it was learned that the going down of the bark was unattended with the loss of a single life.
With so many on board, the accommodations on the Golden Eagle were somewhat crowded. The sailors went with Billy Dill into the forecastle, while Giles Borden was asked to share Captain Sanders’ stateroom. What to do with Link Merwell became a question. In one sense he was a prisoner, yet Dave hated to treat him as such.
“There is the extra pantry,” said Captain Sanders. “We can clean that out and put in a cot, and he can use that,” and so it was arranged, much to the relief of all of the boys. The pantry had a grating, opening on the main passageway, so it made a fairly comfortable stateroom, although rather hot.