The people were soon brought on board, and placed under the care of the doctor, who attended to them assiduously. Just as sail was made, Roger, who was on deck, observed the bow of the craft from which the people had been rescued rise slightly in the water, then down she went, stern first, and nothing was seen on the spot where she had floated, her hull being the coffin of the rest of her passengers.
After some time Captain Benbow summoned Roger, to learn what he could make out respecting the passengers. “With regard to the two seamen and the officer, the matter is clear enough,” he said. “They say that he belonged to their vessel, and by his coolness and bravery saved their lives, so that if he likes to enter on board the Ruby he shall be welcome to do so. I cannot give the seamen their choice when they recover. They will prove to be stout fellows I hope, and will be as well off with us as anywhere else; but with regard to the passengers the matter is doubtful. I fear that they are slaves destined to be sold to the planters of Jamaica, but I cannot bear the thought of handing them over to so cruel a fate. Do you, Willoughby, speak to the men. If any of them have served at sea the matter will be more easy, as I can then enter them among the crew of the Ruby. It will be far better for them than labouring in the plantations of Jamaica.”
“Ay, ay,” answered Roger, clearly understanding the drift of the Captain’s remarks. He first visited the mate and the two seamen, and told them that if they chose to volunteer, the Captain would receive them on board the Ruby.
“With all my heart,” said the mate, in a low voice, taking Roger’s hand and pressing it. “Does he suspect who I am, for I am very sure that you know me?”
“What he suspects I don’t know, but he asks no questions,” answered Roger; “and whoever you are, you will enter under the name the man gave you—Simon Bates.”
“Thank you, Roger, thank you,” said the mate. “I little expected such good fortune; but the poor passengers! What is to be done with them?”
“If they have served at sea, the Captain will allow them to enter on board the Ruby,” said Roger.
“Yes, that they have, and very useful they made themselves; indeed, without them the vessel must have gone down,” said the mate. “From what I saw of them, I should say they have the making of good seamen in them when they regain their health and strength.”
“That is all right,” said Roger. “I will speak to the men, and advise them to choose names under which they can enter.”
He found them, however, scarcely sufficiently recovered to understand him, much less to say anything, so that there was no hurry. He left them under the care of the doctor and his assistants. The crew of the Ruby were chiefly west-country folk, and even had it been known on board that the rescued people were slaves condemned for joining Monmouth’s rebellion, they would have gained the sympathy of those on board, with the exception, perhaps, of the gentlemen lieutenants and a few others. Nearly a week passed before the mate was able to leave his hammock. The Captain, on seeing him, beckoned him to approach.