After a little more conversation the two boys got up and walked away, and Coleman went back to the schooner.
“There is that much done,” said Jones. “We have paved the way for getting him ashore. After we get him up in town we will lose him, and then we’ll have the schooner to ourselves. Now let’s separate and look out for the rest of the fellows. Tell them about the party that isn’t going to come off in Windsor, and give them to understand that they may talk about it as much as they please in Coleman’s hearing. Urge upon them the necessity of being on the dock at dusk, so as not to run the risk of being left behind, but caution them against forming a crowd there. We don’t want anybody to see us off, and consequently we must be careful not to attract attention. Williams and I will meet you at noon at Cony Ryan’s.”
“Well, don’t bring any other fellows with you,” said Lester, who knew that this meant pies, pancakes and milk for three, and that he would have to foot the bill.
Jones said he wouldn’t, and the two boys gave each other a farewell salute, and set out in different directions in search of the other members of the band.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE DESERTERS AFLOAT.
If the deserters had had the ordering of things themselves they could not have made them work more to their satisfaction. There was not a single hitch anywhere; but there was just enough excitement to put them on their mettle, and give them an idea of what was before them. In less than twenty minutes after Lester Brigham parted from his friend Jones, he ran against Captain Mack and Don Gordon. The latter wore a bayonet by his side to show that he was on duty. If they had not been so close to him, Lester would have taken to his heels. Although he had not yet deserted, and carried a paper in his pocket that would protect him, the sight of these two boys made him feel guilty and anxious.
“Hallo, Brigham,” exclaimed the young captain, as he returned Lester’s salute. “If I didn’t know better, I should say that you were out on French leave.”