“I suppose you don’t intend to shoot many squirrels, or catch many fish, since you are laying in so large a stock of something to eat.”
Johnny replied that they did not intend to suffer for want of food, if they could help it; and after he had paid for the provisions, they were placed upon a dray and taken to the yawl, where they were soon loaded by the boys, who set sail for Block Island. In due time they arrived at their destination, and, after a short consultation with a farmer who lived on the island, their cargo was stowed in his barn for safe keeping.
“Now,” said Johnny, when they were ready to return to the village, “if nothing happens, we shall be here after those goods next Monday night. I suppose it doesn’t make any difference to you what time we come?”
“O, none at all,” replied the farmer. “If you will call me when you come, I’ll lend you a hand. I hope you will be successful.”
“Thank you, sir!” answered Johnny, with a sly wink at his companions; “so do we.”
The man did not mean that he hoped the boys would be successful in running away from the academy, or in making off with a boat that did not belong to them, but that they might be fortunate in catching fish, and shooting squirrels and quails; for he thought it was their intention to camp somewhere on the island.
The Night-hawks then returned to the village, and Johnny, to his delight, was not called upon to answer any unpleasant questions. The very boldness of his plan had removed suspicion. His part of the work was now done; it only remained for Tom and his companions to effect their escape from the academy.