“The yacht is only chartered, and her armory belongs to her owners,” Ned replied, not intending to let the interpreter know there was nothing of the kind on board. “Besides, there are likely to be bad people in any city, and while I don’t look for any trouble, it is better to be prepared.”
Again he fancied the man had a peculiar expression on his face; but he made no delay in leading Ned to a gunsmith’s, where two Colt’s revolvers, with a small amount of ammunition, were purchased.
Then he proposed that they return to the yacht at once, and as the boat was rowed alongside, said when he had laid his bundle on the rail:
“Wait there a minute, and I’ll see what remains to be done this evening.”
With the weapons under his arm, for he did not intend to give any one a chance to tamper with them, he went directly to the kitchen, where he knew Roy would be engaged in making preparations for supper.
“Got back, have you?” the latter asked carelessly.
“Yes. Do you need the interpreter any more to-night?”
“Why, I thought it would be a good idea to have him sleep on board, and then in case any one came out from the shore we should be able to talk with them.”
“Did you say anything to him about it?”
“No, for I only thought of the plan since you went ashore.”