“Captain, when you are at leisure, I should like to speak to you on business of importance.”
The captain, regarding his youthful appearance, answered with a smile:
“You are a young man to have business of importance.”
“It may be so,” said Tom, “but it is none the less true. I can say, also, that the business is of as much importance to you as to me.”
“Humph!” said the other, evidently surprised. “I doubt that. However, I will humor your whim, youngster. I will give you a chance to show whether you have spoken the truth. But take heed that you do not waste my time.”
“I shall not,” said Tom confidently. “What I have to say is for your advantage.”
A thought occurred to the captain.
This boy might have wealthy friends, and he might be intending to offer a ransom in return for his liberty. His words favored such a supposition, and the chief decided to grant his request.
“Alonzo,” he said, “conduct the other prisoners to the place of secrecy. This boy will remain with me.”
Alonzo, a stalwart member of the band, bowed in token of obedience.