“That’s a hard way to put it, Win. It may be that he wants to correct his charts and in that case I shall be obliged to go with his surveying party. It won’t help him very much, I can promise you. I have an idea of what’s going to happen, but I may be mistaken. I shall have to trust to my wits in the matter; but there’s one thing I can tell you right here, and I want you to bear it in mind: Hoppy Mayo will never turn traitor to his country, though for some time to come he must be trusted to play the game in his own way.”
“All right, Hoppy, I’ll tell them what you said. There’s nobody in Eastham will believe you to be a traitor.”
Win reached his hand and his comrade grasped it warmly.
Next morning Captain Knowles was put on board the schooner. As the little craft made sail and started on her voyage, Hoppy waved farewell to his friend, more than ever convinced that he should not see him again on the “Spencer.”
Captain Raggett sent word to Hoppy that the latter could have the freedom of the ship provided he promised not to attempt to escape. He was also informed that orders had been given to supply him with clothing or anything else he required. Hoppy readily gave the promise and thanked the commander for his thoughtfulness.
As the day went on, Hoppy Mayo noticed that everybody on board the frigate seemed to be very busy. There was no interference with his leisure and from his seat by one of the guns he was an interested observer of the movements of the nimble sailors as they jumped from place to place in obedience to the orders of the officers. So far as he could see, there was no occasion for all the bustle, but at that time he was not aware that this incessant training was Raggett’s way of keeping his men in condition for service at a moment’s notice.
Hoppy’s usually buoyant spirits were depressed by the events of the day before and by the departure of his comrade. During the dinner hour he listlessly followed the movements of a small skiff that was zigzagging its way from the shore, its solitary occupant clumsily handling the oars. When the skiff came within hailing distance of the frigate the oarsman paused as if irresolute about venturing nearer the warship. Soon the sound of music came over the waters and Hoppy started to his feet as he recognized the familiar notes of Phil the Fifer. The officer of the deck, who had been intently watching the skiff, laughed heartily, and if he had any anxiety as to the boatman’s intentions it was entirely dispelled. Hoppy heard him remark to a brother officer:
“That’s the old pedler who amuses the crew with his droll sayings and his fife. He’s a favorite with the captain, but I’m not sure that we can allow him on board now.”
In answer to his hail the skiff came alongside. Phil pulled off his old hat and cheerfully accosted the officer:
“Bedad, Lieutenant Jameson, it’s a cure for sore eyes to see your honor agin! An’ what is all this throuble about that I can’t enthertain me old customers any more with a tune on the old fife?”