Phil’s heart beat fast now. He never expected such a chance as this! In a moment Hoppy was in the skiff and while he was pretending to examine the wares, Phil managed to convey to him the purpose of his visit. Hoppy was astonished and grateful for the tidings. As the pair made a great show about bargaining for needles and such things, he whispered how the case stood and asked Phil to tell his friends ashore not to lose faith in him even if some things appeared strange to them.
It was all over in a few minutes. As Hoppy reached the deck with a few small articles, Phil the Fifer was profusely thanking Lieutenant Jameson for his kindness.
“May God bless your honor, but it’s you that knows how to help a poor man! Thim Connecticut Yankees is hard to plaze, though. Now, I won’t bother your honor any longer as I can’t do any business with me good frinds aboard this time. Tell thim I’ll come agin. Goodby, lieutenant, and good luck!”
Then the pedler turned the prow of his skiff shoreward, highly elated that he had succeeded in his mission.
CHAPTER X.
A Consultation.
“What do you think of it, Fotheringay?” asked Captain Raggett.
“I think, sir, that Captain Mayo was right in saying the place is dangerous for the frigate. We certainly cannot afford to run any risks at present.”
Captain Raggett had great respect for the opinion of the young lieutenant and had invited him to the cabin for a consultation on the situation.
“This Mayo seems a shrewd fellow, Fotheringay, and I fancy he already suspects what I want him for.”
“Yes, sir, he is shrewd, and I have no doubt whatever that he has guessed your purpose. But I can assure you that he is a man highly respected by his neighbors for his integrity and courage and you may have great difficulty in bending him to your will.”