As the captain had left the matter, we were responsible in a certain degree for the prisoners, and both of us were bent on showing, if possible, that we could be depended upon even for such a difficult task as this.
We went directly into the hold, and there found as lively a scene of confusion and tumult as can well be imagined.
The Britishers whom we had taken from the other prizes were noisily greeting the newcomers, and eagerly questioning them concerning the news of the world from a British standpoint.
The brig was so full as to make it appear that the men were packed like herrings in a box, and I wondered how it might be possible for them to lie down at night without being stowed two or three deep over the floor of the prison.
“How may it be possible to take so many out for exercise?” Simon asked, in dismay, and I understood from the question that there was in his mind somewhat of that which had been troubling me.
“They can go out in squads, I reckon, for it is not likely the captain would allow all these on deck at the same time. However, that need give us little concern, for it is our business to see that he who runs at liberty somewhere in the hold be prevented from doing a mischief.”
“I cannot understand why matters are allowed to remain in this condition,” Simon said, as if speaking to himself. “It would have been more seemly, according to my way of thinking, had an immediate search been made for the Britisher who has succeeded in getting out of the brig. While he is at liberty much mischief may be done, however well we perform our duty.”
“It appears that your father is not of the same mind, and we can set it down as a fact that he knows best what should be done.”
“But think of the chances for trouble, while one of the Britishers is free to move about the hold as he chooses!”