The Disdain was a fine yacht, and the morning was all that could be desired. After the prisoners had been disposed of we all went on deck and had a talk over the affair.
I learned that the Disdain had been chartered by Mr. Ranson. He had found Captain Flagg without anything to do, a party that was to have gone out for a week's cruise having disappointed him at the last moment. It had not taken long to get the yacht in trim for the trip, and in the mean time the lawyer had hunted up Mr. Henshaw and related the particulars of the case.
The government officer had taken the matter in charge without hesitation. I did not know his exact authority, but Mr. Ranson assured me that it was amply sufficient for the occasion, and on this I rested content.
"What will you do when we arrive in Boston?" the lawyer asked me after a while.
"I don't know, sir. I suppose I will be wanted at the examination."
"Of course."
"The trouble is I haven't any money," I went on, thinking it would be best that my friend should know the exact condition of affairs. "I had four dollars and a half, but Captain Hannock or Lowell took it from me."
"Don't let that worry you," he replied with a smile. "Saving my life was worth considerable to me, and I do not intend to forget it."
"If you will lend me ten or fifteen dollars——" I began.
"You shall have a hundred if you wish."