“Now, then,” said Miller, in a low whisper, “how do we know but there are men on board that vessel?”
“Some one ought to go and see,” said Rich. “You do it, Newcombe. You are the strongest and bravest fellow in the party, and we would rather trust you than any other fellow.”
Tom would have been much better pleased if some one else had been selected to perform this rather dangerous piece of business. What if there was a watch on board the Swallow, and he should be discovered? What excuse could he make for being away from the academy at such an unusual hour, and for prowling about where he had no business? Tom asked himself these questions, but still he could not refuse to play the part of spy, for not only was he utterly unable to resist flattery, but he did not dare to make an exhibition of cowardice before the new members of the society, for he was anxious to establish a reputation among them. In as steady a voice as he could command, he replied:
“If you fellows will go behind the office, out of sight, I’ll do it.”
As soon as the Night-hawks had concealed themselves, Tom walked across the wharf on tip-toe, climbed over the rail of the sloop, and looked about him. He took two things in at a glance. The cabin doors were closed, which was good evidence that she was deserted, and there were no other vessels lying at his father’s wharf. This was a very favorable circumstance for the runaways. All the large vessels in the harbor, of course, kept a night-watch; and, if the boys should be discovered making off with the sloop, there might be some trouble. Having noted these two points, Tom crossed the deck, opened the cabin-doors, and disappeared from the view of the Night-hawks, who, closely watching all his movements, held themselves in readiness to take to their heels and leave their grand commander to his fate, if he should be discovered. But the cabin was found to be empty; for the captain, not dreaming that any one would disturb his vessel, had not thought it necessary to leave a watch on board.
“We are all right now, boys,” whispered Tom, when he had reported the result of his investigations to his companions; “and I propose that Rich be allowed to assume authority as captain of the vessel.”
“Agreed,” said all the boys.
“Now, Rich,” continued Tom, “we are ready to hear your orders. Be lively.”
“Well, then,” said the captain, hurriedly, “all you landlubbers go on board that vessel, and remain in the cabin, out of sight, until we get out of the harbor; and all you fellows, who have been to sea, stay with me.”
When the “landlubbers” had obeyed the order, Rich found that he had a crew of eight boys.