"Partly—yes. You see she was first the Mary Ellen and the mutineers named her the Halcyon. Then, when she was rebuilt she became Mary Ellen again."
"But I never knew they could make vessels over," Alice protested.
—"Oh, yes, it's often done," the sailor assured her. "This certainly was the old Halcyon, as she was called when the mutineers had her, and anyone who had sailed in her would know it. A sailor's eye can't be deceived. There's others on board as know it, too."
"Others here? Of the mutinous crew?"
"Hush, Miss, if you please! Not so loud! Yes, others who were in the mutiny, but who got off scott free, while I was the one to suffer. But they're tryin' to keep under cover. There's a game afoot, but I'll spoil it if I can—that is, if this British steamer don't make trouble for me."
Alice's head seemed to swim. She was getting into the depths of the mystery now with a vengeance. What did it all mean? To what did Jack have reference? Could it be that Captain Brisco, and the man with whom he was so friendly, were in a plot?
Alice felt as if she must tell someone. It was too big a secret for her to keep to herself.
One thing seemed necessary. She must rid Jack of some of his fear of being arrested again.
"But if the ship is changed so, how could any of the British officers, provided any are on that steamer, recognize her?" Alice asked.
"I don't know how, but I'm sure they could," said Jack, rather unreasonably. "And you mark my words. They'll see us and in spite of our change of rig, they will want to speak us. A sailor never forgets a ship. Of course there may be no officers on that steamer who would know the old Halcyon, but ag'in, there may be. I'm afeered, Miss."