CHAPTER XXI.
HARRY'S REPORT.
"There!" exclaimed the first lieutenant, drawing a long breath of relief, as the yacht swung round with her head to the storm, after the anchor had been let go, "we're back here, and in just as good condition as when we started, if we except very wet skins and badly damaged reputations. But the vessel is all right, and that's one thing I can feel easy about."
Harry left the officer who was second in command of the guard, to make every thing snug on board, and went below to talk to Tom Newcombe; for, thus far, he had not heard a word uttered that gave him an insight into his object in capturing the vessel. As he descended into the cabin he met the fisher-boy, who, since his release, had made several unsuccessful attempts to reach the deck to assist the students in retaking the yacht. But he had not yet fully recovered the use of his hands and feet, and, he had been obliged to remain inactive in the cabin.
"Is she all right, now?" asked Bob, as the lieutenant came down the ladder.
"Yes, and as sound as a dollar," was the reply. "I shall turn her over to her next executive officer, in just as good condition as she was received; and that's some consolation."
"I wish you had driven them down here," said the fisher-boy, as he stood his spear up in one corner of the cabin. "I'd like to have had a chance at the governor."
"The governor!" repeated Harry, curiously. "Do you mean Sam Barton? He is overboard. He jumped into the harbor on purpose. I hoped to command this vessel one of these days," continued the lieutenant, more interested in his own affairs, just then, than in the fate of the chief, "but Tom Newcombe has sadly interfered with my arrangements by this night's work. Wouldn't it be a good plan to pitch him overboard also?"