"Captain Miles!" I exclaimed. "Why!----" I broke off, though reasoning that as these men had confided in me, there was little harm in telling them of Captain Jeremy's hiding-place in our house.
"What of him?" asked several of the men.
"He is alive and well; I saw him scarce two hours ago."
"Hurrah!" exclaimed the men, but softly, for they durst not shout lest the noise should betray them.
"Alive and well, say you?" repeated 'Enery, a burly, bearded seaman who, it seemed, had no other name. "'Enery" he answered to, and 'Enery he remains till the close of my story. "But, young maäster, 'tis a good six hours you've been lying 'ere."
"Six hours!" I exclaimed amazedly; then, remembering my father's condition, I attempted to rise.
"Nay, young sir," said Bill, noticing my effort, "you cannot go home without aid, and none can we give till Black Lewis comes. But concerning Captain Jeremy?"
In a few words I told them all I knew of the Captain's adventures, the men eagerly following every word.
"Tell him," said 'Enery, as I finished my story, "that ten stanch men await him here. Cooped up like rats in a hold, we durst not show our faces in Lymington, much less try for a ship; but with Cap'n Jeremy to lead us, we'll shape a true course yet. Tell him also----"
A low cry like the call of a forest stag for its mate broke upon our ears. Twice 'twas repeated.