“Robbed! What do you mean?” and the mate tried to put on an air of innocence.
“While we were asleep our watches, money and everything else was taken away from us,” said Randy.
“I don’t know anything about that,” replied the mate. “But you listen to me,” he went on sternly. “Drop those things, or it’ll be the worse for you.”
“I want to talk to Captain Gilsen and to that fellow Ferguson,” said Jack.
“They’re both asleep. You can’t see ’em.”
Some bitter words followed, and it was all the boys could do to keep themselves from pouncing upon the mate and giving him the thrashing they felt he deserved. In the midst of the talking, Captain Gilsen and Ferguson appeared, each carrying a pistol.
“You boys get forward and stay there, and no more nonsense!” roared the captain, when they had again mentioned the robbery. “If I hear another word out of you, I’ll put you in the brig.”
“Oh, dear, this is dreadful!” exclaimed Andy, and suddenly burst out crying, much to the amazement of the others. But when he had his back turned on the captain and the other enemies, he winked at his twin and at Fred.
“Cry!” he whispered. “Cry for all you’re worth! Make ’em think we’re licked bad. Then they won’t watch us.”
Catching the cue, Fred began to blubber, and Randy followed suit. At first the others were amazed, but then they saw through the trick, and all suddenly looked glum.