I lost no time in acting on his proposition, and as I came into the open air I saw Lieutenant McKnight approaching.
"Well, lads, your disagreeable work has come to an end for a time at least, and I can't fancy that you'll be sorry."
I looked perplexed, as indeed I was, and my cousin added:—
"The prisoner will be sent on board the Junior for a while."
"May I ask why, sir?"
"Because it would not be quite the proper treatment to keep him under fire. As soon as Lieutenant Downes comes on deck again some of our men will be sent below to iron the fellow and bring him on deck for transshipment."
I did not wait to hear more, or even to take a look around; but ran below with all speed to impart the cheering news to Phil.
On hearing what my cousin Stephen had said the lad was almost beside himself with joy; but Benson was overpowered by rage. He tore and beat with his fists at the bars of the cage, now crying out that we should be paid off with interest for treating him in such a manner, and again begging that we ask Captain Porter to allow him to remain on board.
There could be but one cause for his frenzy, which was that he had really made friends with some of the marines, and counted on their aiding his escape during the excitement of a battle.