Calamity made no answer, and, going to his cabin, locked himself in. Meanwhile, to the surprise and disappointment of the crew, the Ann was permitted to proceed on her way and the Hawk resumed her course.
"Don't savee what it means, don't you?" Jasper Skelt was saying in the foc'sle. "It means this, my jolly sailor-boys. The skipper's helped himself to the money-chest on that blooming barge and he's going to stick to it. Yes, my festive deck-wallopers, all the prize-money and plunder that comes your way you'll be able to stick in a hollow tooth."
A low, angry murmur went up, and then a man, bolder than the rest, rose to his feet.
"If I b'lieved you, Jas Skelt, I'd 'ave a go at that un'oly swine aft, and chance it."
"Aye, aye," growled some others. "We ain't goin' to be done out of our rights."
"Then you stand by me," answered Skelt, "and I'll see that you get 'em."
"We'll stand by you, mate," said the first speaker. "And, what's more, we'll make you skipper of the 'Awk. Ain't that so?" he added, turning to the others.
There was a low murmur of approval.