“And more than that,” continued the third mate, “we are bound, not for Nantucket, but for Hayti, or some other outlandish port.”
“You don’t say so!” exclaimed several of the crew, in alarm.
“O, now, we don’t want to go to Hayti,” drawled Tom, though, to save his life, he could not have told in what part of the world that island was situated.
“Of course I am not positive of it,” said Johnny; “but I am certain of one thing, and that is, we are leaving Nantucket behind as fast as we can.”
“Now, fellows,” said Harry, turning to the watch, who were intensely excited, “that shows that I was right when I said Rich didn’t know what he was about.”
Every one of the crew had great confidence in Johnny; and there were some among them who believed that, had the officers been selected according to their merits, the third mate would have held the position of captain, while Rich would have been nothing more than a foremast hand. The “landlubbers,” especially, looked upon Johnny as one of the best sailors in existence, for he had managed the sloop during the pursuit; and when they found that he, too, believed that their ignorant skipper was taking them straight out to sea, they were greatly frightened. No doubt, like the mariners of old, they imagined that a multitude of dangers brooded over the great waters, and that all who ventured out of sight of land were doomed to destruction. But the uneasiness was not confined to these alone, for even the “old sailors” were very far from being pleased with their situation. The simple fact of being out of sight of land, however, had no terrors for them. So long as there was a clear sky above them, a smooth sea beneath, plenty of water and provisions on board, and the captain could tell exactly where they were, it made little difference to them how far they were from land. They had joined the expedition on purpose to enjoy themselves, and they could do that at sea as well as on shore. But, under the existing circumstances, having no confidence in their captain, they did not feel altogether safe.
“Well,” said Harry Green, at length, “we ought to call up the other fellows, and talk this matter over with them. I am in favor of relieving Rich, and giving the command to some one who understands his business.”
“That’s my idea exactly,” exclaimed Tom. “I never did believe that Rich was the man for that place. Now, tell me where you want to go, and I’ll take care of you.”
“You!” exclaimed several of the boys; “who asked you to take care of us?”
“Why, if Rich is relieved, the command falls on the next highest officer, don’t it?” demanded Tom.