CHAPTER XII.
THE BEN NEVIS.
The Chatauqua rolled along easily on her course during the rest of the day, until the dog watch, when Mr. Pillgrim had the deck again. Somers, having discharged his whole duty in reference to the conspiracy, was content to leave the matter in the hands of Mr. Hackleford, to whom he had committed it.
At eight bells, as soon as Somers had been relieved from the afternoon watch, he was not a little surprised to receive a message from the captain, inviting him to his cabin. He readily came to the conclusion that the summons related to the conspiracy. When he entered the cabin, he saw Captain Cascabel and Mr. Hackleford seated at the table, on which was spread a general chart of the coast of the United States.
"Say what you wish to Mr. Somers," said the captain to the first lieutenant.
"Mr. Somers, Captain Cascabel has sent for you in relation to the affair of which we talked in your state-room last night," Mr. Hackleford began. "All that you have written out in your statement, and all that you told me, have been fully confirmed."
"I intended to confine myself strictly to the facts," replied Somers, modestly.
"You have been very discreet and very prudent," added Mr. Hackleford.
"I fully concur," said Captain Cascabel. "You have exposed yourself to no little peril, in your zeal to serve your country."