Suddenly the idea of jumping overboard and swimming ashore entered my mind. We could not be far from the dock, and anything was better than to stay aboard the doomed Spitfire.
No sooner had the idea suggested itself than I undertook to put it into execution. I raised the trap and crawled up into the forecastle. No one was there, and I sneaked to the deck.
As I had surmised, the dock was not over a quarter of a mile away, if indeed it was as far. I was a fair swimmer, and without hesitation I ran to the rail with the full intention of jumping overboard.
"Hi, you rascal, come back! Stop him, somebody!"
It was Captain Hannock's voice, and it made me run faster than ever. I gained the rail, and in another moment would have been over.
"Hi, Crocker! Why don't you stop the lad!"
The next instant I felt a hand on my collar, and I was drawn forcibly back.
"Let me go!" I cried, and twisted with might and main to free myself.
"Not so lively, my hearty!" said Crocker. "The captain says you are to stay aboard."
And despite my struggles he held me until the others came.