This is the version of the story which Waters told Frank that night during the latter’s watch. When it was finished the young captain said:
“I don’t see that you need Walter at all. You say that Bob is experienced in such matters, and that he can easily work his way into that safe with a hammer and a cold chisel.”
“I know that,” replied Waters, “and I know another thing, too: when folks travel in this way, they generally carry their money in bills of credit.”
“Well, what of it?” said Frank.
“Well,” repeated Waters, “we wanted the paymaster to get them cashed for us.”
“He wouldn’t have done it.”
“I think he would. You could have made him do it easy enough.”
“And do you imagine that I would use my influence to induce him to turn his uncle’s money over to you?”
“I do think just that. You’d do it sooner than see me raise a racket like I did once aboard this very vessel, wouldn’t you? You wouldn’t like to have me reach for you, would you?”
“Oho!” exclaimed Frank. “Then it appears that you intended to make use of me in two different ways. Besides making me act as captain of the schooner, you were going to hold me as a sort of hostage to compel Walter to do as you wanted him to do.”