“I am of the same opinion. They have either deserted from their vessel, or mischief has been done.”
“In case it was nothing more than desertion, they would have had a boat.”
“The same argument holds good under other and more desperate circumstances.”
“Very true, sir.”
“We may never learn the truth; but we can take every precaution against trouble. Keep your eyes open, Mr. Jenkins, and don’t give them an opportunity to play us any game.”
“I will see to it that they haven’t much rope aboard this craft,” the mate replied, and then the conversation was interrupted by Andy’s announcement that dinner was ready.
The third boatload had not come off when the boys went into the cabin, and there saw the old darky looking thoroughly distressed.
“What’s the matter?” Gil asked, while they were waiting for his father to come below.
“Say, honey, does you know how many ob dese yere sailors am comin’ aboard?”
“Fourteen.”