He was satisfied that Bob had not betrayed him.
The doctor stayed and chatted for half an hour, and Tempest enjoyed the change, for it was a pleasure to have an educated man as companion out on the open seas.
But all the time that the disciple of Esculapius was talking the lieutenant was puzzling his brain to know what Bob really meant.
"Place all the prisoners in irons. That seems harsh. Shall I do it, or shall I question Bob first?"
The latter course was resolved upon, and Bob was duly cross-examined; but he was true to his oath, although he evaded the strict spirit by saying:
"If I hadn't sworn not to tell you, cap'n, I should say that there would be mutiny the first dark night; but I did swear not to tell you, so cannot say it."
No diplomat ever got around a difficult problem easier than did Bob, and Tempest saw that the powder-monkey had some secret information which he could not make public.
The day passed on as most days do when the sea is calm and the sky unruffled by even a cloud, and Tempest hesitated on his course of action.
If the Lively Bee had been nearer he would have sought advice from his captain, but that meant delay, and action must be taken at once.