“Aye, aye, sir,” was the answer. “But I haven’t seen anything of those Americans.”
“Well, it’s their own fault if they don’t come aboard in time. I shall not wait for them.”
“Didn’t think you would, sir,” answered the mate, but in such a low voice that Captain Sudlip did not hear him.
At one minute to one the lines were cast off and as a distant bell tolled the hour the Chester began to move from the harbor. Standing near the pilot house Captain Sudlip continued to gaze ashore. But those he was fearful of seeing did not show themselves and presently he heaved a sigh of relief and satisfaction. Half an hour later Kingston Harbor and Jamaica itself were left behind and the Chester stood boldly out into the Caribbean Sea.
“Dumped ’em!” said the captain to himself, with a smile of intense satisfaction. “That will teach ’em a lesson. They can’t ride over me!” And then he added, after a pause, “Now I’ve got that nigger to myself, won’t I just teach him a lesson? He won’t be able to stand when I get through with him!”
CHAPTER VII
THE JOKE ON CAPTAIN SUDLIP
But were our friends left behind, as Captain Sudlip so fondly hoped? Let us go back and see.
It was light-hearted Darry, always ready for a joke, who offered the suggestion, while they were eating dinner at the Queen’s Hotel.
“Say!” he exclaimed, suddenly, thumping the table in his excitement. “I’ve got a scheme for paying Captain Sudlip off for his meanness.”
“Have you?” came from Professor Strong. “Even so, please don’t pound the dishes from the table, Darry.”