"He is going with us," said Pinnow, laconically, to his men, as he lent a hand himself to push off the yawl.
I thought that I perceived a look of alarmed surprise pass over the brutal features of Jock at seeing us. He looked at his accomplice for an explanation of the mystery, but Pinnow was busy with the yawl. The two others were standing apart; they evidently did not know what to make of it all.
"There are only four wanted," said Pinnow.
"Very good," I said. "You, Karl and Hanne, go home and keep perfectly quiet, do you hear?"
"I can go home too," said Jock, surlily.
"One step from the spot," I cried, levelling the pistol at his head, "and you have stood on your long legs for the last time. Get on board!"
Jock Swart obeyed.
"You next, Pinnow!"
Pinnow obeyed. I followed.
We had about twenty minutes rowing before we reached the cutter, for the surf was heavy, and the cutter was anchored pretty far out on account of her deep draught. This frustrated a plan which occurred to me at the last moment, namely, to put the whole party on shore, and go out to the yacht with Pinnow and Jock alone. But I saw that in the rowing back and forwards that would be necessary, at least an hour would be lost, and it was all-important to have speech of Herr von Zehren as speedily as possible. What might not happen in an hour?