“She is first-rate,” I answered carelessly.
“Cabin, beds, carpet, stove.”
“Yes, and there is a chance to set a table there,” I went on, after the second guard had contrived to push the boat away from the shore, as he supposed, without attracting my attention. “Go in, if you like, and I will show you how we dine on board of the Belle.”
I spoke with becoming enthusiasm about the boat and her fixtures, and I think my guests believed that they had drawn away my attention from Waddie. At any rate, the first speaker went into the cabin, and, at my suggestion, the second one followed him.
“Now, do you see that board which is turned up against the mast?” I proceeded, as I pointed to the table.
“Yes, I see it.”
“Well, just turn the button and let it down.”
It stuck pretty tight, as I knew it would, and both of them took hold to lower the board. While they were thus engaged, I drew the slide and banged the doors to, before they suspected what I was doing. Slipping in the padlock, I locked it, and while my guards were turning the table in the cabin, I performed the same office outside. They were prisoners, and I felt that I might reasonably expect to find them where I had left them. They might damage the cabin of the Belle, but that was all they could do.
I hauled the boat in, and, as I leaped on shore, I heard another piercing scream from Waddie, which assured me that the tragedy had been renewed. I leaped on the land, and, with the boat-hook still in my hand, hastened to the scene of active operations. As I approached the spot I saw the two ruffians tearing Waddie’s clothes from his back, in readiness to apply the tar-swab. The wretched victim screamed piteously. I saw that I had no time to trifle with the affair. I decided to be the aggressor this time. I rushed furiously at the big fellow whom I had hit before. He did not see me till I was within fifty feet of him. He had laid aside his club, and I “pitched in.” I dealt him a heavy blow on the side of his head, and he retreated to the place where he had left his weapon. I made at the other one then; but the terrors of the boat-hook were too much for him, and he fled to obtain his club.
While they were falling back upon their ammunition I took my knife from my pocket, and, rushing up to the tree, cut the cord which confined Waddie. He was free; but his hands were still tied together. I told him to follow me; and, gaining a moment’s time, I released his hands.