"Why do you stop here, lad? Give the word for gettin' under way, so the commodore may see we know how to obey in sailorman fashion, an' if there's any talkin' to be done we'll have plenty of time for tongue waggin' while runnin' down the river."
"But surely you're not proposing that we shall start without knowing where we are going, or what is to be done?" I cried, showing quite as much impatience as he had.
"That's jest what I do propose! We can whittle out a plan while the pungy is slippin' down stream, as well as if she was made fast here."
"But what about Jim Freeman and his party?"
"There's no reason why they shouldn't go with us; six isn't any too many for the crew of an oysterman."
"But do you count on taking them without first explaining the situation? It strikes me that when a fellow sets about that which may put his neck in a halter, he is entitled to something by way of an understanding."
"If that's all which blocks our makin' sail, I'll soon put an end to it," and Darius beckoned to Jim and his friends, who were standing well forward that they might not seem to be listening to that which possibly was not intended for their ears.
The lads came aft quickly, knowing full well by the expression on our faces that something serious was afoot, and the old man said bluntly:
"The commodore wants us to spy on the British fleets. If we're caught on their anchorage, or nosin' around the ships, pretendin' to be what we're not, its a case of hangin', an' salt won't save us. If you lads want to stay aboard, takin' the same chances we do, well an' good; if not, you'd better go ashore in quick order, for we shall be under way mighty soon."
"Shall we be helpin' the government the same as if we stayed aboard one of the vessels to do our share of fightin'?" Jim asked, and Darius replied: