However uneasy they might be regarding the intention of the alleged shipwrecked crew, it was impossible to remain awake very long after lying down, and in less than half-an-hour the two were sleeping soundly.
They were still in the very heart of slumber-land at midnight, when the looked-for breeze sprang up, and, therefore, remained in ignorance of the fact that the dainty white cloths of the yacht had been spread, causing the beautiful little craft to heel coquettishly, as, with a bone in her teeth, she darted over the black waters on a true course for the Northeast Providence Channel.
“She is looking up into it well now,” Captain Mansfield said, in a tone of satisfaction, as the Day Dream glided across the waves, “and we can count on getting rid of our passengers before another sun sets, for I believe this wind will continue to freshen until morning, when we shall have all she needs to induce her to show her best pace.”
The captain and his mate were standing well aft, with a trusty man at the wheel, as the schooner gained headway, and Mr. Jenkins replied, in a tone of relief:
“If your predictions are correct, sir, there’ll be little to fear, for as yet this crowd are without any plan of action. Why don’t you go below for a while?”
“I believe I will. Keep your wits about you, and don’t hesitate to call me if anything looks wrong.”
As he spoke, the captain went to his room, and in a comparatively short space of time the sound of his heavy breathing could be heard, even by the man at the wheel.
The mate paced to and fro more than an hour, and then, fancying he heard a movement among the men, who were supposed to be sleeping on deck, he went forward to investigate.
The rescued party appeared to be wrapped in slumber, as he made his way among the prostrate forms, and, blaming himself for being unduly suspicious, Mr. Jenkins continued on to the forecastle companion-way before turning to retrace his steps.
The sailor who should have been on the lookout was nowhere to be seen, and the mate stood for a moment expecting him to come from below, when suddenly a hand was clapped over his mouth, preventing him from uttering the slightest sound.