Otway paid him some very florid compliments on his smartness, and then after another drink or two, the detective went on shore, highly pleased.
As soon as he was gone, Otway turned to Robertson.
"You won't stand in my way, Robertson, will you?" he asked—"I want to see the poor devils get away."
"You take all the responsibility, then."
"I will," and then he rapidly told the skipper his
plan, and set to work by at once asking the second mate to get ready the boat and then come back to the cabin.
"All ready," said Allen, five minutes later.
"Then come with the steward and help me with this gear."
He unlocked the door of Lacy's state-room, lit the swinging candle, and quickly passed out Mr. and Mrs. Lacy's remaining luggage to the second mate and steward. Three small leather trunks, marked "Books with Care," were especially heavy, and he guessed their contents.
"Stow them safely in the boat, Allen. Don't make more noise than you can help. I'll be with you in a minute."