CHAPTER X.
A CHANGE OF BASE.
When we were come near Benedict I was not minded to pass it for the third time without stopping to see my mother, and I said to Darius:
"There seems to be no good reason why Jerry and I should not visit our homes, leaving you to continue on with the news. We can take the canoe, and paddle up the river to-night."
"It is your place to remain aboard the Avenger," the old man said almost sharply.
"What can we do more than would be done by you?" Jerry asked in surprise.
"Nothin', so far as sailin' up the river is concerned; but with the news we're takin' to the commodore, it is more'n likely there'll be a quick change, when you might be needed."
"There can't be anything very serious happen 'twixt now and to-morrow morning," I persisted, yet holding to my scheme. "We wouldn't be more than twelve hours behind you under any circumstances."