“O, I am not disputing you, young gentlemen,” said Mr. Bell, settling his hands under his head, and crossing his feet as if he were preparing to go to sleep. “I simply say that your story looks to me rather unreasonable; and I would not advise you to repeat it in the village for fear of getting yourselves into trouble. I have not seen Pierre, or Coulte, or Chase to-night. Perhaps the captain has, or some of his men, although it is hardly probable. As I am somewhat wearied with my day’s work, I hope you will allow me to go to sleep.”
“Certainly, sir,” said Walter. “Pardon us for disturbing you.”
So saying, the young commander of the Banner turned on his heel and walked off, followed by his crew.
CHAPTER III.
OUTWITTED.
“Well,” continued Walter, after he and his companions had walked out of earshot of Mr. Bell; “what do you think of that.”
“Let somebody else tell,” said Bab. “It bangs me completely.”
“Now I’ll tell you something,” observed Perk: “He is trying to humbug us—I could see it in his eye. If there is a fellow among us who didn’t see Henry Chase standing in the mouth of the cave, when we rounded the point, and hear him shout to us that that schooner there is a smuggler, and that Fred Craven is a prisoner on board of her, let him say so.”