“I am afraid we have lost him somewhere,” replied Serge.
“Like as not,” retorted the captain. “You seem to be capable of losing anything or anybody, including yourselves.”
“Was it you who captured the Seamew, sir?” inquired Phil, curiously.
“Of course it was, and I took her into Sitka harbor, where she lies now, and where her case is to be tried before Judge Ames. As you formed part of her piratical crew, I want to know if there is any reason why I should not clap you two in irons as prisoners of war and deserters, and take you there too?”
“I only wish you would, sir,” replied Phil, earnestly.
Just then a clear, laughing voice from behind them said, “I think, papa, it is about time that I were allowed to greet my old friend Serge.”
Turning quickly, poor Phil beheld one of the very prettiest girls he had ever seen. As a thought of his own ridiculous appearance flashed into his mind, he blushed furiously, and wished that he were in the ship’s hold, or a dungeon, or any other place that was dark.