"But we want Paul; and if we keep him on board, he will join us after a few hours."
"You mustn't hurt him any way," interposed John; "if you are going to do anything of that sort, I shall let the cat out of the bag."
"We won't hurt him," replied Tom.
"I'll tell you what we will do. We will get him to go down into the cabin under some pretence, and then fasten him down," said Frank.
"That will do first rate."
"But Dick is on board too; what shall we do with him?"
"Fasten them both down below."
Paul, from the frequent glances bestowed upon him by the plotters, was satisfied that he was the subject of their remarks; but this did not disturb him, for, firm in his purpose to do right, whatever might happen to him in consequence, he was prepared for any event which the conspirators might bring to pass. He was sorry to find that mischief was brewing at all, and pained to see his brother a consenting party to it.