“I don’t like to think, Mr. Dunstan, that any such thing as defeat is possible as long as there’s more time left us,” was Halstead’s answer.
“I trust, my young friend, that your faith will be justified.”
“Any instructions for to-night, sir?”
“No; nothing remains to be done and you young men deserve your rest at last.”
“Then Joe and I may stretch our legs on shore.”
“That will be all right, as long as Jed Prentiss and Bouncer remain aboard to watch the boat.”
Joe started first that night, hurrying away before Gambon had left his cottage. Tom remained behind, in hiding near the gate, to follow the Frenchman. Gambon came out, half an hour after dark, armed with the same heavy walking stick. As before, he turned straight in the direction of Nantucket the young skipper following just out of sight.
To-night there seemed to be more need of caution. Several times the Frenchman turned or halted and listened, but each time the young skipper was not to be seen.
Just before Gambon reached the grove where the rock lay Joe stepped up beside his chum.
“There’s a message there and I read it,” whispered Joe.