Since the return of the master gunner and his party from their successful chase of the buccaneers, the crew of the Neptune had been increased, though not up to full strength. It was Captain Jeremy's intention to keep a large garrison in the stockade, under Captain 'Enery, while the master gunner resumed his duties on board the Golden Hope. Joe Clemens, by virtue of his having been mate on a trading vessel, was appointed to the charge of the Neptune till such time as Captain 'Enery could resume his command.
This was, in a measure, somewhat tactless, for Clemens, not being one of the original crew of the Golden Hope, was looked upon by some of the men as an outsider who had risen over their heads.
But Joe Clemens, cheerful and easy-going Cornishman that he was, treated this matter lightly, though he was fully aware of it. On being told of the feeling amongst certain of the crew of the Neptune, he merely remarked that they would soon get used to it, and that he was quite big and strong enough to look after both Captain Jeremy's interests and his own.
It happened, however, that one day, while Captain Jeremy, the master gunner, and I were in the cabin, a seaman knocked softly and, without waiting to be bidden to enter, came in and closed the door behind him.
He was one of the original band of Lymington men, yet Captain Jeremy, ever a strict disciplinarian, liked not the manner of his entry.
"How now, Cherry?" he asked sternly. "Is this the way--bursting in upon your officers without so much as 'by your leave'?"
"What I have to say must be said quietly, sir," replied the man resolutely.
"Say on."
"There's underhand work aboard the Neptune, sir," continued the man. "There's a dozen of 'em in touch with that rascal Slater."
Instinctively I recalled Slater's words: "Dost think I have no friends aboard the ships?"