This opened the eyes of Captain Rich, who began to be suspicious that the deserters had more confidence in the third mate than they had in himself—a state of affairs that troubled him exceedingly. He saw that he had made a mistake in permitting Johnny to manage the vessel during the pursuit, and he resolved that thereafter he would, under all circumstances, assert his authority as commander of the vessel.
“Now, Harding,” said he, “take us to the place where you stowed our provisions.”
In obedience to the order, the third mate turned the sloop’s bow in the direction he imagined the island to be, and Tom stationed one of the crew on the forecastle, to act as lookout. The Swallow moved silently through the water, every boy on board straining his eyes to catch the first glimpse of the island; and presently the lookout exclaimed:
“Land ho!”
“Where away?” asked Captain Rich.
“Dead ahead,” was the answer.
Upon hearing this, Johnny called a boy to take his place at the wheel; and after stationing Tom, with two others, in the mast, to attend to any orders he might find it necessary to give, he took his stand on the forecastle, to watch for the landing place. The island could be dimly seen looming up through the darkness, and, shortly afterward, the Swallow passed a long, high point, that stretched out into the bay. Then Johnny knew where they were. The farmer’s house was just behind that point.
“Helm hard a port!” said the third mate. “Stand by to let go that main sheet. Let go all!”
These orders being obeyed, the sloop rounded the point, and, in five minutes more, was made fast at the farmer’s wharf. Johnny then conducted the crew toward the barn, where their provisions were stowed; and, on the way there, he stopped at the house to arouse the farmer, who, after a delay that seemed an age to the impatient runaways, appeared at the door, with a lantern in his hand. He seemed surprised to see so many boys in the party, but, still believing that they were about to start off on a hunting and fishing excursion, he assisted them in getting their provisions on board the sloop, and amused the deserters by expressing the wish that they might enjoy themselves, and have the best of luck.
“Thank you, sir,” said Captain Rich; “we hope so, too. All aboard, fellows.”