They did not, and Will hastened to secure the hawser, which was running overboard. At this moment the steamer stopped, for Captain Glovering had closely observed all that happened on the caisson. The starboard quarter-boat of the Sylph was lowered into the water. Will was thinking what he should do with his prisoners, when a boat from the steamer came alongside. Oscar Chester was in charge of it, with four of the crew at the oars.
As the boat came alongside, Oscar threw a handful of small line on the timbers, saying it was the order of the captain that the arms of the prisoners should be bound behind them. The second pilot sprang on board, and was happy to take a hand in the ceremony, as he called it, though it would have pleased him better to stand up alone with the chief ruffian.
As the three Topovers were held down, there was no difficulty in executing the order of the captain. Tom swore, and was furious in his wrath. Nim Splugger struggled to escape, but all of them were secured.
"I am directed by the captain to land them on the point," said Oscar, when the operation was completed.
Tom protested. He should have to walk two miles; but no time was wasted on him, and he was put on shore.
CHAPTER XXVII. THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE TWO PRINCIPALS.
As the Sylph and the tow had been in motion all the time during the battle on the caisson, they were within a few rods of the point. Tom Topover wanted Oscar Chester to put him on board of the Racer, but the request was denied. The second pilot also refused to unbind him and his companions when he landed them, for he would incur no risk.
The tow-lines had been adjusted, and the steamer was again making her way up the river when the boat returned. Tom used a great deal of bad language when he found himself standing on the point with his arms tied behind him and Oscar wanted to thrash him, as he was confident he could, but he obeyed his orders to the letter.