He made them liberal offers if they would but break loose and aid him in retaking his ship.
They were not averse to the project, if they saw the slightest chance of success.
Circumstances favored them.
Captain Vernon sent the prisoners on board the merchant prize, and placed Tempest in command.
The prisoner-captain was permitted his freedom on parole.
He gave his sacred word that he would not try to escape, and yet his heart was full of treachery, his brain occupied in hatching schemes of mutiny.
That night a heavy fog sprang up, and the two vessels dare not stay too close together.
That was the opportunity.
With cat-like tread the captain descended to the cabin, where the English sailors were imprisoned.
Lieutenant Tempest had grave suspicions about the man's honesty, and set himself to watch him.