"'Pon me sowl, it is," said the sergeant.
"Pete, you an' Rooney, here, take the folks below while I see to his ludship."
Before we reached the hatchway the boat was alongside and an officer climbed quickly on deck, where he was met by the sergeant.
"The Governor sends his compliments to Captain Cahill, and wishes him to send the prisoners he took to-day to the frigate for examination," said the officer, and as he spoke I recognized him as Captain Foy's under-lieutenant whom I had met several times before at Harrison's house.
I called to him before anyone could stop me, and the next instant we were shaking hands before the astonished soldiers.
"You have come in good time, Mr. Jones," I said, "and for Heaven's sake get us clear of this vessel and its lunatic skipper."
He laughed heartily as the sergeant came up and saluted. "This way, if ye plase," said that soldier, and he led him aft.
A few minutes later the sergeant came forward, accompanied by Mr. Jones of the Fowey, frigate, and we were ushered over the side just as the lookout, forward, struck off three bells.
"'Twas a narrer escape, me son," whispered the sergeant to Will as he went over the side. The next minute we were on our way to the frigate.