Mark did not sleep well, his dreams being disturbed by visions of pirates and black flags. But morning came and nothing had developed. The men seemed to recover their spirits with daybreak, and most of the crew, after breakfast, greeted Mr. Henderson pleasantly, and asked to be allowed to help fix the ship.
It took the skilled labor of the professor, Washington and the boys to mend the break, and, even at that, it was four days in the repairing. But at last the final bolt was in place, and the Mermaid was able to resume her trips through the air.
“We will rise the first thing in the morning,” said the professor to Mark and Jack that night. “I am anxious to see how the ship behaves with a big load aboard.”
CHAPTER IX
THE MUTINY
Mark was awakened that night by feeling some one trying to turn him over. At first he thought it was Jack, and sleepily muttered that he wanted to be let alone.
“Sorry I can’t oblige ye, my hearty!” exclaimed a rough voice in his ear, “but I got particular orders t’ tie you up!”
At that Mark tried to sit up, but he found he could not. He discovered that he was closely bound with many turns of a rope, while in front of his bunk stood one of the rescued sailors.
“There,” said the man, with a final tightening of the ropes. “I guess you’re safe.”
“What’s the matter? What does it all mean?” asked Mark, much bewildered.
“It means that we have possession of the ship,” the sailor answered, “and, if you’re wise you’ll not make a fuss. It wouldn’t do any good, anyhow, as all your friends are in the same condition.”