"Well, if Wingate goes we'll be well rid of him."
"Of course that is true, but still—"
Fred did not finish for just then Asa Carey came up.
"I am going to visit that other steamer," he said, to the chief engineer. "I shall take that man Wingate along, and Bossermann is going, too. You can remain right here until I get back."
Norton nodded, but said nothing. The mate looked at Fred as if to say more, but then apparently changed his mind and hurried away. Soon a small boat was over the side and this was manned by the mate, Bossermann, Wingate and a sailor named Ulligan, a fellow noted for his laziness and untrustworthiness. Without delay the small boat set out for the Josephine.
"I don't like this at all," said Fred. "Those fellows mean mischief as sure as you are born!"
"I dink da vos hatch owid somedings mid dot Merrick," said Hans.
"Perhaps they are plotting to gain possession of this yacht," was Dora's comment. "They may bring over a crowd to take possession and make us prisoners!"
"If they try any game like that we'll fight," answered Fred.
"Dat's right!" cried Aleck. "We'll fight, an' fight mighty hard, too!"