“O, that’s played out!” exclaimed one of the boys. “If you had ever attended the military academy, you wouldn’t talk that way. We’re on the black list now, and we might as well enjoy ourselves while we can.”
This seemed to be the opinion of all the boys; and the farmer, seeing that they were determined to have their own way, made no further attempts to induce them to return to the village.
The first mate, becoming impatient at this delay, now urged Captain Harding to set the crew at work. The farmer showed them a spring, behind the house, and, armed with buckets, pans, and cups, the deserters began the work of filling the water-barrels. It was a tedious task, and while it was going on, Tom had ample time to mature his plans. He soon decided upon his course, which was communicated to Rich; and, although they were by no means certain that it would prove successful, it was the best they could think of, and, after some discussion, was adopted.
Tom soon becoming tired of carrying water, set his bucket down, and amused himself in walking about the farm. At the end of half an hour, after the casks had been filled, and the crew had returned on board the vessel—while Johnny’s friends were lounging about the deck, resting after their work, and Rich’s followers were busy in the hold, setting things in order—the third mate went aloft and took his stand on the cross-trees, to watch for the Philistines, he said, but, in reality, to signal to Tom that the time for action had arrived. In a few moments, the latter made his appearance, carrying in each hand a huge slice of water-melon, which he was devouring with great avidity. As he had expected, this instantly attracted the attention of the boys, several of whom eagerly inquired:
“Where did you get that, Newcombe?”
“Bought it off that farmer,” was the reply. “He’s got plenty more, and sells them cheap, too. You can get one as big as a bushel basket for five cents.”
“Give us a piece, Tom,” shouted one of the boys from the hold.
“O, no; I can’t,” drawled the first mate. “Go and get some for yourself.”
“Come back with us, and show us where you got it,” said another.