"On the contrary, I think I am treating you generously. The Baxters wish to handcuff you and put you back into the hold."
There was a pause, and then the boys agreed, if allowed to go on deck, to go below again whenever the captain wished.
"But, remember, we are going to get away if we can," added Dick.
"All right, get away—if you can," rejoined Captain Langless. "If you go overboard you'll be in for a long swim, I can tell you that."
It felt good to get into the bright sunshine once more, and the boys tumbled up to the deck without ceremony. As soon as they had quitted the cabin the captain put away the weapons at hand, locking them in a closet.
As the sailor had said, no other craft was in sight, and on every hand stretched the calm waters of Lake Erie as far as eye could reach. The course was northwest, and Dick rightfully guessed that they were heading for the Detroit River. There was a stiff breeze blowing and, with every sail set, the Peacock was making rapid headway.
It was not long before Dan Baxter came up to them. The bully's face was dark and threatening, yet he did not dare say much, for Captain Langless had given him warning that the prisoners must not be molested.
"I suppose you think it a fine thing to be up here," he began.
"It will be if we don't get too much of you." replied Tom bluntly. "I suppose you would give a good deal to be on land."
"Not particularly. We enjoy sailing. If not, we wouldn't have been out in our yacht."