At noon on the following day, the boys almost forgot the disagreeable adventures with the mutineers when they landed at Nassau with Mr. Jenkins, and made a tour of the sponge yards, while Captain Mansfield went to inform the authorities of those whom he believed were responsible for the loss of the Mary and Jane.
It was a particularly pleasant day which they spent ashore, viewing the many wonders wrested from the bed of the ocean, and on returning to the schooner neither thought to ask what had been done until Captain Mansfield was speaking with the mate about the officers of the ill-fated brig.
“There can be no question but that those fellows had a hand in the wrecking of the Mary and Jane,” he said. “The captain and mates landed here last week, and told me to-day there could be no doubt as to the facts. On three different occasions it was found that the brig was many points off her course, and I fancy the men knew exactly where she would be foundered.”
“Will the authorities send to arrest them?” Gil asked.
“Certainly, and the officers of the brig intend to urge it; besides, they propose to start at once for Walker Key in the hope that some of the cargo may be there.”
“Were the men really deserted?”
“Not a bit of it, according to the captain’s story, and after what we have experienced I would believe him against a thousand such as tried to run away with the schooner. It seems that when the brig struck, the men were ordered into the boats; but they refused to leave until the spirits had been divided. The crowd we met insisted on using the gig, and, holding her fast alongside, proceeded to get drunk. A heavy sea was running, and after the officers had expostulated with the men for some time, they believed there was nothing left but to look out for their own lives. The vessel was fast breaking up, and the crew in a drunken condition, when the captain’s party finally put off to try to reach this port, which they did in four days. A schooner was sent out from here; but nothing could be found either of the crew or of the craft, and it was generally believed that she slid off into deep water and sank.”
“Now what will happen?” Gil asked.
“I think it is safe to say the fellows will find themselves in a very disagreeable position before many days have elapsed,” Captain Mansfield replied, and then he was summoned on deck by the arrival of the goods which he had purchased to replace those stolen by the mutineers.
From this time until they were ready to “turn in” the boys had plenty to occupy their attention. The new weapons, additional stores, and such other articles as the captain had bought, were inspected. The things were stowed in their proper places, and then once more the question as to whether the treasure could be found came up for discussion.