“You mean you were kidnapped on board?� asked Raynor, staring at the red-headed youth with whom he now felt a bond of sympathy.
“Surest t’ing you know. Write it in yo’ little book. But I mean ter get away first chance, you bet. Are you wid me?�
“I certainly am. This schooner is little better than a floating inferno.�
“All right. Tip us yer mitt. When de time comes dat smoke ull be de guy ter help us. He ain’t got no more use fer Terrer Carson dan I have, so fur as I’ve bin able to figger it out.�
The two allies shook hands, but further conversation was barred just then for Pompey reentered the galley.
CHAPTER X: PLANS TO ESCAPE.
Raynor found that his duties, besides his kitchen work, included waiting on the table in the cabin. He managed to acquit himself at this without getting into serious trouble, although Terror Carson gave him several gruff reproofs during the evening. When supper was over the duty of washing the dishes fell to the two boys. Pompey retired forward for a smoke and they had the galley to themselves.
The breeze, which had been steady all the afternoon, was beginning to increase. The schooner began to leap and strain as the waves grew bigger. Raynor found some difficulty in keeping his feet.
“Say, it’s coming on to blow,� observed Raynor.
“Yes, and that’s too bad,� rejoined Noddy. “I’d got it framed up fer a getaway ter night.�