“How many days of full allowance have we on board?”
“Not above twelve at the most.”
“Then we must go on half allowance,” replied Cain.
“The ship’s company wish to know where we are going, sir.”
“Have they deputed you to ask the question?”
“Not exactly, sir; but I wish to know myself,” replied Hawkhurst, with an insolent air.
“Turn the hands up,” replied Cain: “as one of the ship’s company under my orders, you will, with the others, receive the information you require.”
The crew of the pirate collected aft.
“My lads,” said Cain, “I understand, from the first mate, that you are anxious to know where you are going? In reply, I acquaint you, that having so many wounded men on board, and so much plunder in the hold, I intend to repair to our rendezvous when we were formerly in this part of the world—the Caicos. Is there any other question you may wish to ask of me?”
“Yes,” replied Hawkhurst; “we wish to know what your intentions are relative to that young man Francisco. We have lost immense wealth; we have now thirty men wounded in the hammocks, and nine we left dead on the shore; and I have a bullet through my body, all of which has been occasioned by him. We demand justice!”