“If we don’t get away, I’m thinking these fellows will rob us,” came from Randy, who had not forgotten what one of the rascals had said about money.
“I don’t see how we can get to the motor boat,” was Ralph’s reply. “Do you think we can make it, Jack?”
The young major shook his head. He felt that it would not be safe to make the attempt in the fog and with the motor boat bobbing up and down on the swells of the ocean.
The conversation between Captain Gilsen and the owners of the small boats lasted for the best part of a quarter of an hour. Then, when the captain came on deck again, he held another conference with Bill Ferguson. Later on the Rover boys learned that Ferguson and Gilsen were not only cousins, but also partners in their illegal traffic.
“I am sorry to say I can’t let you go just yet,” said Captain Gilsen, when he came back to the lads. “Some of the men are afraid that you are spies and will get them into trouble. They want a chance to get away first.”
“You haven’t any right to detain us,” said Ralph.
“Well, I’m taking the right. We’ll tie the motor boat fast to the schooner, and then you can just sit down and suck your thumbs for an hour or two.”
“And you can thank your stars you’re gettin’ off so easy,” put in Bill Ferguson. “I ought to give you a good lickin’, that’s what I ought to do,” he went on to Jack.
The boys had noted that there were at least six or eight sailors on board the Hildegarde, as the schooner was named. For all they knew, these men might also be armed, so it would be folly for them to show any resistance. This being so, they remained on the deck of the craft while one after another of the smaller boats took their departure. The Fancy was attached by a long cable to the Hildegarde and was left in charge of one of the sailors, who seemed to know how to manage such a craft.