"Ah!" said Captain Marat. "Thad look ver' deeferent. They want we shall follow thee Orion—and they are to be on board of thee Orion. And so that what Duran mean w'en he say—'We must not leave them behind.'"
"And," offered Robert, "he wants us to look out for them. That means that when we get near enough, they'll escape overboard if they get a chance; and they want us to pick them up if they succeed."
"Say," broke in Norris, holding the paper and addressing Robert. "What you kids can't think up isn't in the dictionary, or Shakespeare. That Duran is a sharp one, but let Wayne and Robert, here, alone—we'll beat that skunk yet."
CHAPTER XIV
JULIAN CONTINUES THE NARRATIVE—NORRIS' BIG GUN
There was much discussion now, and the storm having passed, we got up on deck again. It was decided to make it appear to Duran that we meant to remain, waiting for the return of the boys. We got a boat ready, put into it blankets and provisions, and the like, as if for a sojourn on shore. We made certain Duran would be watching our preparations. An hour before night we pushed off, Robert and Rufe, only, remaining aboard with the sailors.
At the wharf we hired a mule and cart, and transferred the cargo; and directly, we were moving to the back of the town, stopping only when we had reached a little wooded eminence. We did not unload, but unhitched the mule and put him to graze.
We had not been long at the place, when Norris went off, saying he had an errand, and would meet us at the boat-landing.
We could see both schooners from the little hill, until darkness came. Then we kept watch for Robert's signal.