“No, sir; I don’t think that would be better,” said Hilary.
“I have eight prisoners on board, and they must be well guarded.”
“Yes, sir, of course.”
“Then I am obliged to have four or five men in the lugger.”
“Yes, sir; so under the circumstances I think it will be best to place the eight prisoners in the lugger’s boat, and send them ashore.”
“What! to join the others?”
“No, sir; I should take care to land them after the expedition party were well on the way.”
“Bless me, Mr Leigh! this is beyond bearing. How dare you dictate to me in this way?” cried the lieutenant.
“And,” continued Hilary, “I would disable them for a few hours by means of the irons. There are five or six sets on board.”
“Ah! yes, yes; but what do you mean?”