“What shall we do, fellows?” asked Captain Rich, coming aft, rather hurriedly, to consult his officers.
“Do nothing!” replied the third mate, who did not seem to be at all concerned. “They don’t know that any thing is wrong yet. No doubt it is one of the crew of the Swallow, who thinks his captain is going to sea without him.”
“If that’s so, then what is that man pulling back to the village for?” asked Miller. “He handles those oars as if he is in a great hurry. And, then, what are those two men doing with that schooner?”
“Why, one of them probably belongs on board here,” answered Johnny. “If they hail us again, I’ll answer them. Keep out of sight as much as possible, fellows.”
“Swallow ahoy!” came the hail, in louder tones.
“Ay, ay, sir!” replied the third mate.
“Hold on!” shouted one of the men in the schooner, which was now starting out from the pier, “I want to come on board.”
This served to convince some of the runaways that Johnny’s idea of the situation was the correct one. One of the men in the schooner belonged to the Swallow, and was afraid his captain was going to sea without him.
“I can’t stop!” shouted the third mate, in reply. “Wait at the village until I come back.”
The runaways were astonished at this answer, and they all held their breath in suspense, wondering what would be the result. The men in the schooner evidently did not understand it, for one of them, after a moment’s hesitation, called out—