“Did you see anything of them?”
“No; I don’t know where they are; but you can feel sure they’ll never take their eyes off the schooner.”
After further discussing the exciting events of the day, they considered the all-important question as to what should be their own line of action. The decision which they reached was a most remarkable one, being no less than to make a direct proposition to the mutineers to turn over the schooner to them, with a portion of the oysters, and to allow them to depart, while the captain, mate and little girl were left upon the island.
The captain was not convinced that this was altogether wise, and he said:
“Since your plan is for us to stay on the island, and allow them to leave with the schooner, will you tell me how we are to depart, when ready?”
The mate indicated the inlet, where the mast was still pointing toward the sky.
“We’ve got to run our chances. We may be taken off in a week, and possibly not for years; but, with all these probabilities before us, I am in favor of surrendering the schooner, and allowing them to leave us forever, if they will agree to do so.”
“But, if we make the proposition, will they not suspect our purpose, or take it as a confession of weakness on our part?”
“We must prevent that. But, captain, I’ve had all the sleep I want, and you are in need of it. Better secure it, therefore, while you can. Go below in the cabin and take your rest. I will stand guard here, and you need have no fear of my dropping into slumber again.”