Receiving no answer, the Captain repeated the question with increased emphasis, stamping his foot violently on the deck.
I gave a rapid glance to windward. About a mile away I saw a line of chalk cliffs, ending off in two remarkable pinnacles, and backed by a lofty down, regular in outline and destitute of trees; while astern lay the sand dunes that marked the entrance to Poole Harbour. No other craft was in sight, so I concluded that, whatever else might happen, I should not be put ashore.
"Captain Jeremy," I exclaimed, "don't you know who I am?"
"I don't know, and, what is more, I don't care."
"But you do, sir; I am Clifford Hammond."
Had a musket exploded under his very nose, the Captain would not have jumped back more than he did. Then his eyes opened to their fullest extent, and his jaw dropped till almost every tooth in his head was revealed. Those of the crew who had formed the forlorn group in the cave in Brockenhurst Heath gave a mingled shout and cheer of welcome.
"Good heavens, lad!" exclaimed the Captain, when he had partly recovered himself, "you here? Sink me! Come to my cabin."
He led the way to a low yet snug apartment in the stern of the vessel, well lighted by the square ports I had before noticed, and plainly but service ably furnished. A thick red carpet covered the floor, and curtains of similar colour partially concealed a recess that served as a sleeping bunk. A table, secured to the floor by two light chains, occupied most of the available space, its polished top being littered with charts and papers. Two muskets, a hanger, and a brace of pistols were fixed in a rack, above which was a small bookshelf. Against the side of the bulkhead stood a small portable stove, but, the day being warm, it was unlighted. On either side of the stove-pipe hung several nautical instruments, including a quadrant, a telescope, and other gear; while below these, and in fact in every angle of the cabin, were neatly contrived lockers.
This much I saw in a rapid glance, for Captain Jeremy seemed anxious to speak his mind.
"You are a young rascal," said he, though in the same kindly manner as of yore. "You've outwitted me, my lad, though I must confess I am not altogether sorry. But now, look at the other side of the business. Here you are, inexperienced in the hardships of a sailor's life, about to engage in a hazardous enterprise that may last for years. I am saddled with the responsibility of looking after you, and this, in a measure, ties my hands."