The prizes were warped in close under the fort, and moored there in such manner that nothing short of a most violent tempest could disturb them.
The encampment ashore was broken up, and all the men ordered on board the ships which were to venture out.
When this last order was given, we had signs of serious trouble.
The natives, who had become fast friends with our men, set up a terrible howl, and from morning until night we could see them on the beach crying and begging that the crew be sent ashore again, while on board the frigate and the Essex Junior the sailormen themselves were bewailing a fate which seemed unnecessarily hard.
There was little mutinous talk on our ship; but we heard again and again that the crew of the Essex Junior was nearly in a mutinous frame of mind because the pleasant stay ashore had come to an end.
As a matter of course the old shellbacks were not concerned in this insubordination. They recognized the fact that we must put to sea as speedily as possible, and were even eager to be gone; but many of the younger fellows would have deserted except for the strong guard which was kept both night and day.
Only those who could best be trusted were sent on shore for the stores, and among these was Master Hackett, therefore we lads heard much of what was happening aboard of our consort.
It was the evening of the second day after we had been ordered aboard ship that Master Hackett told Phil and me, while he was smoking comfortably near No. I gun, the following startling news:—
"Bob White of the Essex Junior has been blowin' his gaff so loud that it has come to the ears of our officers, an' all hands will be called up for a wiggin' from the commander before another day goes by, or I'm a Dutchman, which I ain't."