"How large was the boat, Mr. Smith?"
"Capable of transporting about fifteen, sir."
"Hardly enough; still I don't know; we could afford to take a chance. What crew did the Sea Gull carry?"
"I do not know how many were below, sir," I answered, beginning dimly to conceive his purpose. "I never saw to exceed a dozen on deck in a watch."
"Any evidence they were armed?"
"I know they were not; the officers carried weapons, but would never trust the crew."
"And only two officers remaining?"
"There may be an engineer, sir."
He pondered a moment, grave-faced, and silent.
"It is not a very complicated plan, but we will try It. I don't think Henley will leave these waters without an effort to recover his boat, and prisoners. He will want those papers, and revenge on Craig here. He has no warning that we are after him. I believe the fellow will cruise about in the same neighborhood until daylight. What do you say, Smith?"