“What, not plunder?” cried the men, looking at the Transcendant.
“No, not think of it, if you are wise.”
At this reply all of the men exclaimed that “that would not do”—“that plunder they would”—that “I was not the captain of the vessel,”—and many more expressions, showing how soon a man may lose popularity on board of a pirate vessel.
“I gave my opinion, my men, and if you will hear why I said so—”
“No, no, out boats,” cried they all, and simultaneously ran to lower down the boats, for it was now calm, that they might tow the schooner alongside of the Transcendant.
“You might as well talk to the wind as talk to them when there is plunder to be obtained,” said Toplift to me in a low tone.
“Come down with me,” said I, “and I will tell you what I have heard.”
“Ain’t they going to plunder the brig?” said Master Peleg, when we came down; “I know where father’s dollars are,” and up he ran on deck.
I made a short remark upon the depravity of the boy, and then informed Captain Toplift of what he had told me.
“If you had told them, they would not have paid attention to you. The boat’s crew who came with the captain have told them that there is money on board, and all authority is now at an end.”