“Yes.”
The officer gave vent to a long, low whistle.
“Thank you, my lad,” he said; “this is good news indeed! We have been baffled for years, stopped by this hiding-place which no one knew of. Then, when I have taken the schooner I’ll land you with a party, and you shall show us the place.”
“No,” said Vince; “I want to be paid for doing it.”
“Indeed!” said the officer, curling his lip: “how much?”
“Oh, I don’t mean money. Our fathers and mothers think we’re dead, and you must land us to go home at once.”
“Impossible, my boy,” said the lieutenant, clapping him on the shoulder in a friendly way. “Quite right; but English men—and boys—have to think first of their duty to the King. I must chase that schooner first, and— Ahoy, there! look sharp with that boat.—Look: directly I have taken her I’ll land you.”
“No, sir; land us now,” cried Mike. “You have only to make that little sailing boat come alongside and order him to take us.”
“Yes, yes,” cried Vince. “He comes from our island.”
“What, that fishing boat yonder?” said the lieutenant.