“What’s become of Hunt and his outfit?” he asked.
“Why, Stonington Hunt and Freeman passed through the cabin a few minutes ago,” replied Hiram, “right after that terrible bump——”
“When the sloop struck,” thought Tubby. Aloud he said:
“Well?”
“I heard them say that you were done for, and that I could be left to drown.”
“Yes, yes, Hiram; but did they say anything about escaping themselves?”
“Yes. I heard them shouting on deck to cut loose the boat. Then I heard a lot of noise. I guess they launched her. That’s all, till I heard you shouting back in there.”
“Humph!” ejaculated Tubby; “so they left us to perish on this old sloop, eh? Well, Hiram, we’ll fool ’em. We’ll get away yet in spite of them.” In talking thus, young Hopkins assumed a confidence he was far from feeling, but he deemed it best to stimulate Hiram with hope.
“Got any matches?” was his next question.
Hiram nodded, and presently handed out a box.