"It is a good plan to catch your rabbit before you cook him," said Enoch.
CHAPTER XIX.
CONCLUSION.
Captain O'Brien and the rest of the leaders who took part in that fight with the schooner, had plenty to do that night. Among other things they were selecting the crew for their privateer, and they wanted to be sure that they got none but the best men. Zeke was ashore for an hour or two before he sent the cutter back, and then he did not come with it but sent Zeb Short to scull the boat. There were nine men in the party, and each one brought with him a large bundle which contained some changes of linen and his bedclothes.
"Where is the mate?" asked Enoch, as the men threw their bundles aboard and then proceeded to climb aboard themselves.
"The mate!" exclaimed Zeb Short, as if he did not catch the boy's meaning.
"Yes; Zeke told us to stay here until he came back."
"Oh. Well, Zeke is ashore helping the captain; and he told me to inform you boys that if you want to ship on board this vessel you had better go home and get some duds, for we are going to sail with the turn of the tide which takes place about four o'clock. Of course you boys are going?"
"You wager we are," said Caleb.