"What does all this mean?" demanded Mr. Fluxion, as he hastened on deck.
"The boys have taken all the boats, and left the vessel," replied Bitts.
"Left the vessel!" exclaimed Mr. Fluxion. "Were you asleep on deck?"
"No, sir. Half a dozen of them hung me by the neck till I was nearly choked to death," pleaded the carpenter.
"Where was Cleats?"
"I stepped below for half a minute, and they clapped the slide on over me," answered Cleats, very sheepishly.
"You stepped below! I ordered you not to leave the deck," added the vice-principal, angrily. "You are responsible for this."
"I did not think the young rascals would do such a thing as this," pleaded the culprit.
"I did; and I told you they would do anything. You have disobeyed my orders. Take the helm, Gage."
Mr. Fluxion glanced at the boats, and gave a few hasty orders, by which the Josephine was headed towards the shore. The cooks and stewards in the forecastle were released, and the chase commenced.