Jim Freeman and Jerry seemed to be in my way of thinking; but Darius declared that unless we could content ourselves with such a hiding-place as was not likely to attract the attention of the enemy, we might count him out of the scheme.
"But what can be done with the mule, if we take to the smoke-house?" I cried, believing I thus had an argument which he could not well answer.
"Turn him loose, of course. He is government property, and would give stronger proof of our havin' been with the army than your father's wound. Besides, should the soldiers hear him, an' you can't reckon on keepin' that kind of a beast quiet, they'd be bound to have him out, if only for the sake of sport."
Then Darius went toward his chosen place of refuge, leaving us to follow or not as best pleased us, and the result can well be imagined.
We would not cut loose from the old sailor who, because of his experience in such circumstances, was best calculated to advise and aid, therefore we followed him meekly, but with many a mental complaint.
When we were come to the rough building, which was hardly larger than the cabin of the Scorpion, Darius lifted my father from the animal's back as if he had been no more than a child, and carried him into the place that was less inviting than the hold of the Avenger after we had taken out a cargo of oysters.
Placing him in one corner where he might sit with his back against the boards, the old sailor went outside and drove the mule in the direction of the tavern, himself following until he was lost to view, much to our surprise and disquietude.
"Now what is he about?" Jerry asked petulantly. "I thought we were to stay here?"
"It seems that we are," I replied with a mirthless laugh; "but it appears that Master Thorpe counts on being better lodged."
"Do you suppose he allows to stop at the tavern while we're to stay in this smoke-house?" Jim Freeman asked in a tone of dismay, and I, sore at heart because my advice had not been followed, replied bitterly, thereby setting myself down for at least the twentieth time as a simple: