“Hang it, that’s what I was thinking.”
“Well, we are not much better.”
“How so?”
“We’ve got that boy on board and——”
At that moment a voice was heard. Captain and mate stood and glared and trembled, and as both stood there on the center of the cabin floor, a voice came from the berth. It was clear, firm and distinct and there was no mistaking.
“Put about,” the voice proclaimed. “I was once captain of this boat. I was murdered on board her. I don’t want another murder committed, and if any harm comes to the boy you have on board both you men will hang. There were witnesses, there will be witnesses. Get him ashore as quick as you can.”
The two men stood and gazed as though indeed they were listening to the voice of one who had passed beyond and was talking back from the land of mystery.
“Heed my words,” spoke the mysterious voice in conclusion, and then all was still.
“Captain,” after a long time spoke the mate, “we are in luck.”
“How so?”