They found their deliverer pacing his quarterdeck, with his hands in his pockets, and a stern frown on his countenance. He was quite alone, and the vessel wore an unusually quiet air.
“Nothing wrong, I hope,” said Captain Samson, as he stepped over the gangway.
“Everything wrong,” replied the American; “crew skedaddled.”
“What! bolted?”
“Ay, every man, to the diggin’s.”
“What will you do?” asked Captain Samson, in a sympathetic tone.
“Sell off the ship and cargo for what they’ll fetch, and go to the diggin’s too,” replied the other. “Moreover, I’d strongly recommend you to do the same.”
“What say you to that advice, Philosopher Jack?” asked Captain Samson, turning to our hero, with a peculiar smile.
“I say,” answered the philosopher, returning the smile, “that the advice requires consideration.”
“Cautiously replied; and what says my Polly?” continued the captain.