"You may search me, sir," replied the second master, throwing out his arms, as though he were ready to submit to the operation.
"I may, but I do not choose to do so at present. Keep your eye on him, Peaks," added the principal, as he walked forward to his usual stand on the hatch.
"You are foolish, Master Perth," said the old boatswain, shaking his head; for he had been the only person who had listened to the interview, and appeared to be present for a purpose.
Perth put his hands in his pockets. He felt the paper on which he had written during the lecture. It would be a dangerous document in case he should be searched; for its contents would expose him, and implicate others. As slyly and as quickly as he could, he took it out, tore it into small bits, and threw it out the open port into the water.
"What's that?" demanded Peaks, seizing him by the collar.
"You are too late," answered Perth.
"What was it you tore up?"
"The five-pound notes."
"Tell that to the marines!" exclaimed the old sailor.
"They are gone to Davy Jones's locker now," replied Perth, shaking his head.