"When could we seize the ship?" asked Bob.
"The very first dark or foggy night. I have spoken to four of the crew of the Regina and they have agreed to join."
Tempest, with that generosity which characterized his every action, had given the prisoners their freedom, and they had made use of it to plan a mutiny.
As far as was known, Bob was the only American in the secret.
Bob had sworn not to reveal the scheme, and he wanted to keep his oath, but he was equally determined to frustrate the mutineers, even if he had to forswear himself.
He could write a little, and made up his mind to reveal the plot to Tempest in that way.
But when he thought of all he would be compelled to write he grew despondent, for it would take too long.
Bob stole a piece of paper from the captain's desk, and a pencil.
Writing was pretty hard work. He sat down at the desk, and found it necessary to rest his head on his arm, so that his mouth would be on a line with the point of the pencil.
Then his tongue had to be between his lips, else how could he write?