“That’s what I have done,” he said.
“Then we’re safe enough. Where’s Dinny?”
“Forward, along of Dick.”
“Tell them to keep a sharp look-out while we’re gone, and to be on the watch for the boat.”
Half an hour later, when the schooner was deemed to be near enough for the purpose, an anchor was lowered down, to take fast hold directly in the shallow bottom, a boat was lowered, into which Jack and Bart stepped, the former shipping the little rudder, and Bart stepping a short mast and hauling up a big sail, when the soft sea-breeze sent them gliding swiftly along.
“He was asleep in the cabin,” said Bart. “Soon be yonder if it holds like this. Do you feel up to it, my lad, as if you could venter?”
“Yes,” said Jack, sternly.
“But it’s a wicked job, my lad, and more fit for men.”
“I’ve thought all that out, Bart,” was the reply. “I know. It is my duty, and I shall do it. Are the pistols loaded?”
“Trust me for that,” growled Bart. “They’re loaded enough, and the cutlashes has edges like razors. So has my axe.”