"Stumped!" he cried laconically, and leaped to the floor of the hold. "We are prisoners and no mistake."
After this they went back to the door leading to the cabin. But this likewise could not be moved, and in the end they sat down a good deal discouraged.
It was well toward night when they heard a noise at the door. As they leaped up, expecting to see the Baxters or Captain Langless, the barrier opened and the cook of the schooner appeared, backed up by two of the sailors. The cook had another trayful of food, which he passed to Dick in silence, taking the other tray in exchange.
"Where is Captain Langless?" asked Tom.
"Can't come now," answered the cook.
"Then send the Baxters here."
"They can't come either."
"Have they gone ashore?" questioned Dick.
"I can't answer any questions," and the cook started to back out.
"Who is in charge? We must see somebody."
"I am in charge," said a rough voice, and now the mate of the schooner thrust himself forward. "You had better be quiet until the cap'n gits back."
"Then he has gone ashore?"
"Yes, if you must know."
