“Soon as I heard that word desert, I felt stopped short like; and then I heard voices making plans for going ashore.”
“What did they say?”
“Can’t rec’lect what they said exactly, sir; only as one talked about a boat, and the other about a canoe. It was Lavington as asked about the canoe; and just now, sir, they was watching a canoe that went by, and they exchanged signals.”
“Yes, I saw them watching that canoe,” said the captain, fixing his eyes on Jem.
“Yes, sir; and one of the chiefs waved a paddle to them.”
The captain nodded, and Ramsden was going on with his charge, when he was stopped.
“That will do, my man,” said the captain; “I know quite enough. Now look here,” he continued, turning to Don and Jem, “I am compelled to believe what this man says, for I saw enough to corroborate his testimony; but I will give you an opportunity for defending yourselves. Is what he says true?”
Don’s lips parted to say it was only about half true; but a feeling of agonised shame checked his words. There was too much truth in it for him to make a bold denial, so he remained silent; and Jem, taking his cue from his companion, was silent too.
“Come,” said the captain, “I like that. There is honesty in it, my lads; and as you are both young, and pressed men, I will not be so severe as I might for such an offence as yours.”
“Didn’t commit no offence,” said Jem sturdily.