But there were other ways of compassing his end. Antonio was subtile. He felt that his revenge must be a more secret one, and he desired that it should involve both Bill Sturdy and his protégé. If he could only involve Charlie in some offence which would draw upon him the active displeasure of the captain, and subject him to public punishment, he felt sure that Bill Sturdy would not stand tamely by and see it inflicted, while any interference would be insubordination, and get his rival into serious trouble.
After reflection Antonio decided to implicate Charlie in a charge of theft. It happened that the captain had a valuable gold ring, set with diamonds, which, for reasons unnecessary to state, he prized even beyond its pecuniary value. Captain Brace, however, was not a careful man. He would sometimes take off his ring, and lay it down on the cabin table. On one occasion Antonio, while upon deck, observed the captain pass, and ascertained by a swift glance that the ring was not upon his finger. He watched his opportunity, and slipping down into the cabin, found, as he anticipated, the ring upon the table. It was the work of a moment to snatch and conceal it in his pocket.
He returned to the work in which he had been engaged, and resumed it, supposing he had not been observed.
In this he was mistaken.
Bill Sturdy had had his eye upon him from the time of his difficulty with him. He could see Antonio's craftiness in his face, and the apparent affability and conciliatory manner of the latter afterwards had by no means deceived him.
"Look out for squalls," thought he. "He's too fair seeming to be trusted. I've no doubt he's hatching up something or other. I'll keep a sharp lookout for him."
When Antonio made his stealthy visit to the cabin, as above described, the vigilant eye of Bill Sturdy was upon him and his movements.
In a moment he reappeared. Bill saw it all out of the corner of his eye, though he appeared to be looking in just the opposite direction.
"What's the fellow up to?" he thought. "Some mischief, I reckon. What business has he in the cabin? I must watch him."
Of course, Antonio's object will be understood. He meant to place the ring in Charlie's chest, and when the loss should be discovered by the captain, he would suggest that a general search should be instituted, the result of which must involve our young hero.