“Have you seen anyone?” they heard the deep voice of the guard from the south gate.
“No,” growled Hammond.
“Then I suppose all my worry was for nothing, but I thought that this boat meant something; but I think it must belong to some fisherman.”
“Of course it does, for heaven’s sakes go and let a fellow snooze.”
Arkwright muttered something about not snoozing on duty and said out loud:
“If I thought that boat meant anything I’d turn it adrift.”
“And keep some poor fellow upon the Island all night?” said Hammond, the bribed guard, who with his mate was watching for fear their little plan might be noticed.
“Well, that would be mean. I don’t think it amounts to shucks, so I’ll go along and let you boys attend to your business.”
As soon as he was gone the convicts were up and off again and down to the river like two shadows, and the great gates were closed again.
Into the boat tumbled Tom, and he took the child from his companion’s arms.