Old Sam shook his head, and made his usual remark, about not being able to leave his ship when on Government service.
'Can't I go with Mr. Collier, sir?' put in Tom, quickly; 'I'd give anything to go.'
'Would you, my cockerel? Well, I don't know. What do you think, Captain Hayes?'
Hayes laughed. 'Yes, let him come, captain. He'll see what a "blackbirder" looks like. Come with me in my boat.'
Tom was delighted, and presently slid down the boat falls and waited.
Then Hayes, after giving Hawkins some important particulars about the entrance to Mioko Harbour, bade him and De Caen farewell, with wishes for a speedy voyage, got over the side into his own boat, which shoved off, and followed that of the mate.
'You'll get wet before you get alongside, Captain Hayes!' cried Hawkins, pointing to a rain-squall which was approaching.
The big captain made some jesting reply, and then Hawkins went below to discuss the important news they had learnt with the French officer, leaving Mr. Todd to attend to the ship.
CHAPTER IX
THE FIGHT ON BOARD THE LEONIE