"Good," said Tom. "That's fine. And we'll be able to explain everything later on."
Meanwhile, Tom's mind had been working rapidly, and he saw that they would easily ferret out the truth of the story as long as there were four of them to question. He didn't see how Tim and he could be any worse off by facing the matter out. It was about time for Dick and Fritz to be along in that part of the country, too, for their trip overland would take them longer than Tom had taken, being driven rapidly up the coast by the storm. Therefore, it seemed to him that if he could manage to get the captain and the mate out of the way, it would be better all around. So, when the party prepared to remove their clothes, Tom whispered to the captain:
"Captain, we can't stop to argue matters out to form any detailed plan, but Tim and I will start some kind of a fuss in the water now, and while we keep their attention, you and the mate float quietly down the shore on your backs till you reach those plum bushes—see them?—those beach plums down there." Tom motioned with his eyes. "It's a great joke being taken for rebels isn't it?" he said in a louder voice as a soldier approached. "One would think we looked like desperadoes."
The captain smiled and nodded his head, and Tom saw that he was answering his instructions.
"Come along, you fellows," shouted the corporal, "we haven't got all morning for this swim."
"All right. We're ready," answered Tom, and they all trotted down to the water's edge.
"Gee, it's cold," chattered Tom.
"Faith, and if your lordship will wait a moment, I'll warm it for you," replied Tim, giving Tom a vigorous push that sent him floundering out to his waist.
"I'll fix you for that," shouted Tom, seeing that Tim had unconsciously started the excitement that he wanted.