"You're safe," said Tom. But Peterson paid no attention, and only begged them not to hit him.
"Let us carry him to the Swallow," suggested Sam, and between them they did so.
"Wot's dis?" asked Aleck Pop, in astonishment.
"He is our friend, and has been struck down," answered Tom. "Get some water in a basin, and a little liquor."
When the colored man returned with the articles mentioned both boys washed the wounded man's head and bound it up with a towel. Then Tom administered a few spoonfuls of liquor. This seemed to give Peterson some strength, but he did not fully recover for some hours.
"Follow the Peacock," were his first rational words. "Follow the schooner Peacock."
"The Peacock?" repeated Tom. "Why should we follow her?"
"Your brother is on board." And having spoken thus, the lumberman sank again into semi-unconsciousness.
"Can he be telling the truth, or is he out of his head?" questioned
Sam.
"I'm sure I don't know, Sam."