“How can we know?”
The steward looked only at the professor and for answer said, “May I speak with you alone for a moment?”
“Certainly not. Say openly what you have to say,” was the answer.
“I think,” interposed Berwick, “I would grant his request. It can do no harm.”
The boys and Berwick separated, each taking a few steps in different directions so as to prevent any possible attempt at escape.
The two thus left alone, although under close observation, conversed earnestly for a few moments, and then the professor called the others together.
“It is a deplorable matter,” said the professor. “This man is deserving of condemnation and of punishment. He has been a traitor to our cause, but he admits fully his crime and wants to atone in any way he can. Jim, he says, was confined on board the Marjorie, but he himself helped him to escape and he believes that Jim is now safe and sound, probably by this time on board the Storm King.”
“How can we be sure of that?” Jo asked.
“We have only this man’s word, and in a sense his word is valueless, but he can go with us and we can deal with him accordingly, if he tells not the truth.”