For some time they stood at the rail forward in silence, each immersed in his own thoughts. But brooding of any sort was foreign to them. And presently they shook off the slight thoughtfulness into which parting with Mr. Temple had thrown them, and began to discuss the possibilities that lay ahead.
Presently Inspector Burton joined them.
“Well, boys,” said he in a kindly tone, “not worried about the outcome, are you?”
“Oh, no, sir,” answered Frank. “Just talking over what might happen.”
“That’s right, don’t worry,” said the Secret Service man. “Probably there will be no fighting. These fellows may not have any force at their hangout to speak of. Perhaps, only the crew of the trawler from which you escaped will be on hand. If we have luck, we can surprise them. And I doubt very much whether they will put up any resistance against Uncle Sam’s men.”
“How many men have you?” queried Jack.
“Twenty-two in the crew, including Ensign
Warwick, you three, Doctor Marley and myself—twenty-seven in all.”
“Doctor Marley?” exclaimed Bob, surprised.
“Yes, he is a peace-loving man,” remarked Inspector Burton, with a slight smile. “But I considered it necessary to have a medical man along in case of accident, and persuaded him to come. It was rather difficult, because he fears the anger of ‘Black George’ if the latter succeeds in laying hands on him. But he consented when I showed him how preposterous it was to expect any real resistance.”