“I don’t think they will,” answered Jack. “But if they do, do you want to go with us?”
“I’ll go if I kin make it,” answered Ira Small. “P’r’aps I kin drop overboard quiet like and git aboard the motor boat without their seein’ me.”
“Is anybody aboard the motor boat now?” questioned Jack, suddenly.
“Oh, no. She comes along all right alone, so the sailor who was on board come back to the ship.”
“Well, Small, you stick to us, and we’ll stick to you. You help us escape, and you shall be well rewarded.”
“I don’t want no reward. I want to git square with Cap’n Gilsen an’ his bunch,” answered Ira Small. “I’d like to git away in the motor boat an’ blow the Hildegarde to kingdom come. That bunch of critters on board this ship ain’t fit to live.”
“Well, I’ll see you again about this,” said Jack, as he noted the approach of Letts.
“All right, lad. I’ll be ready at the first chance. I want to git away just as quick as you do. I want to git back to the West Indies an’ spot the thirteen rocks. I’m after pirates’ gold!” concluded the lanky sailor, as he stalked away hastily.