“I don’t just know myself,� admitted Jack, “but things are not going as smoothly on the Morning Star as Uncle Toby thinks, and if ever we needed to signal for help, this wireless would be a mighty handy thing to have.�
“Here comes a fresh breeze,� shouted Mr. Terrill from the distance, “hurry, boys, we must take advantage of it.�
CHAPTER XXXI: IN A BOILING SEA.
Two days later found the Morning Star, after much struggling against baffling winds, bowling along under a favoring breeze. Uncle Toby rubbed his hands as he looked aloft at the canvas, every foot of which was smartly drawing and urging the schooner forward.
Even Mr. Terrill’s face had lost its customary sour look. He stood conversing amidships with the mate, whose name was Jarrow. Jarrow was squat and broad and had a squint in his bloodshot eyes that gave him an expression that was not prepossessing.
“I wonder what those two are talking about,� remarked Jack to Raynor, as the two lads stood on the stern deck. “Somehow I’ve got it into my head that they and part of the crew are in a plot.�
“What makes you think so?� asked Raynor, giving a glance round to see that Noddy, who was splicing a rope, was not listening. Up forward Pompey could be seen aiding the Morning Star’s cook.
“Just this, and nothing more than the fact that they are always consulting together, and I’ve noticed that Jarrow talks to the crew more than a mate should. I’ve told Noddy and Pompey to be on the lookout and see if they can find out what’s going on. I’m certain some dirty work is brewing.�
Just then Jarrow looked round and caught Jack’s eye fixed on him. He nudged Mr. Terrill, and the two moved apart. Mr. Terrill favored Jack with a malevolent scowl as he passed him.
“He certainly does love me,� laughed the boy, careless if Terrill overheard him or not.