"I am going on board of the ship now, Sir Louis; but I wish to see the whole of your ship's company, as you please to call yourselves, in half an hour, in this cabin," said Captain Ringgold, as he rose to leave. "Introduce Donald to Felipe, for they will have occasion to know each other before morning."
Louis took the new employee to the engine-room, and presented him to the engineer in Spanish; and he left them talking the language with all their might. He went on board of the ship, and summoned the other three of the big four to the conference in the cabin of the Maud, assuring them that "something was up," though he did not know what. The captain went to the chief steward, and an hour or two later several boxes, baskets, and kegs were put on board of the little steamer.
At the time appointed the commander found the big four in the cabin of the Maud. Felipe and Donald were sent for, and all were seated around the table. Captain Ringgold looked more serious than usual. Of course they all knew that he had had an interview, and a stormy one, with the Pacha, and Felipe had been trembling for his own safety all the evening.
"The Pacha threatens to have Scott and Felipe arrested to-morrow; but I have decided that he shall find neither of them here," said the commander. "I shall send you all to sea to-night at twelve in the Maud. Do you think you can navigate her to Valetta, Malta, Captain Scott?"
"I know I can, sir," replied he, delighted with the thought.
"Compelled by circumstances to change my plans, we shall spend the rest of the summer cruising in the Orient," added the captain.
CHAPTER XXV
THE STARBOARD AND PORT WATCHES OF THE MAUD
An independent cruise in the Maud was to the big four the most delightful affair in the world, not that they considered themselves restricted and restrained on board of the Guardian-Mother, for they had all the liberty they desired. Louis was devoted to his studies, though he desired to obtain all the practical information he could as he went from port to port in foreign countries. The other three were very much inclined to follow his lead, whether it was to work or play, to study or recreate.
The pleasure of navigating the Maud on their own responsibility was a novelty which they enjoyed in the highest degree, though it was likely to lose some of its charm in time. They had had a taste of this pleasure in the excursion to Tangier, and the exciting features connected with it had given it an additional zest.