"You fellows are going to get licked as sure as the world," said one of the captives. "You can't take that schooner."
"What makes you think we are going to try?" asked Enoch.
"That is where you are going with that sloop. There will be some troops up here directly, and then you will all go in jail."
"Well, you won't have to go with us to keep us company," said Enoch, with a laugh.
"You are mighty right I won't," said the man, with something that savored of a threat in his tones. "I am on the side of England every day in the week. She will brush you rebels off on one side——"
"Hold on!" exclaimed Enoch, bringing his gun to a "ready." "You must not talk that way while I am about. When we come back we will be on board that schooner."
The man muttered something under his breath and then relapsed into silence; while Enoch turned his eyes toward the sloop to see how far they had progressed toward unloading her. The lumber was tumbled off any way, some going overboard into the bay and the rest being piled up helter-skelter on the wharf, and finally Zeke raised his voice and shouted—
"All you men who are going off with us to capture that schooner come on board here."
"Does that mean me?" asked Enoch.
"Yes, everybody. Come on."