CHAPTER XV.
CAPTAIN HANNOCK TRIES TO MAKE TERMS.
A sudden idea sprang into my mind. I would try it. If it failed there would be no harm done.
Captain Hannock's reference to rats put me in mind of cats; and drawing in my breath, I let off the most unearthly cat cry that has ever passed my lips, a cry that astonished even myself.
Both of the men tumbled back in great haste. Then the captain set up a laugh.
"It's a cat!" he cried. "Some old strayaway from the docks, I suppose."
"Must be a mighty large one," returned Lowell. "Hold the light up till I catch her."
"Nonsense! Suppose I want to get bit and die of hydrophoby?" exclaimed the captain. "Let her stay where she is. She can feed on the rats or starve to death."
And taking the lantern, he moved off towards the other end of the hold.
Somewhat reluctantly Lowell followed him. Then I heard a sound as of a hatch closing, and all became quiet.
I crawled from my hiding-place and made my way with all possible speed to the trap-door. I reached up and knocked upon it softly, and in a moment Dibble opened it from above.
"Quick!" I whispered. "They have been down after me. Let us get on deck, just as if nothing had happened."
Dibble followed my advice. On reaching the deck I found that neither the captain nor Lowell had put in an appearance. I saw Mr. Ranson still at the bow, and immediately went forward to speak to him.
"Well, how did you make out?" he asked anxiously. "You have been a long while."
"I've got all the evidence," I returned. "But we must be careful or we shall be discovered. Listen to what I have done."
As quickly as I could I related my adventures down in the hold.
"You have done exceedingly well," he said, and laughed heartily over the ruse I had used to escape detection.
"Paving stones and kindling wood! It is a great swindle indeed."
"I guess we won't need any more proofs than that," I said.
"No, indeed."
A moment later the captain came on deck followed by Lowell. They gazed sharply about, and I was sure they were counting to see if any of the men were missing, for presently the boatswain entered the forecastle to see if one of the men was not there.
"I will have to leave you now," I said to the lawyer. "We must not excite suspicion."
"You are right," he replied. "I will go into the cabin and take a rest and think over what you have told me. We have as yet plenty of time in which to act."
Ranson left me, and I joined Dibble, who was at work tarring some ropes.
It was not very agreeable work, but for the sake of being near him, and at the same time to please Captain Hannock, I lent a hand, and we spent the remainder of the day together.
"When shall we reach New Bedford?" I asked, as we were going to mess.
"Depends on the wind," was Dibble's reply. "If it holds out we may be there by to-morrow morning."
"So soon!"
"Might have been there before if it hadn't been for the storm. That knocked us clear out of our bearings."
My work had made me thoroughly tired, and, as a consequence, it did not take me long to get to sleep when once I was in my bunk.
"The captain wants to see you," said Crocker, as soon as I awoke in the morning.
"What about?"
"He didn't say. You are to go to the cabin."
"All right."
Wondering what was up I pulled on my clothing and made my way aft. The captain was in the cabin alone.
"Well, Foster, I've sent for you to know what your intentions are," he said, as I entered.
"In what respect, Captain Hannock?"
"About remaining on board. Of course you came on the ship under peculiar circumstances, but I think you like the life, and I would like you to remain on board for the trip. I will pay you the same as the other hands."
Of course I was astonished at these words. What was up now? Had the captain hatched out some plot against me?
I did not know then, as I know now, that Mr. Ranson had spoken of me, and that in consequence Captain Hannock was rather alarmed over the prospects should I get ashore. Kidnapping (as Mr. Ranson had put it) is no light crime.
"I don't care to remain on board after we reach New Bedford," I replied, after a moment's hesitation.
"Why not?"
"You ought to know as well as I do."
"But I don't. You signed articles, and"
"I didn't sign anything," I interrupted.
"Your name appears on the books," he returned, with a shrug of his shoulders.
"If it does, it's a forgery."
"I know nothing about that. But I am willing to do this: If you are willing to go ashore quietly and say nothing, I am willing that you shall do so."
"And if not?"
He frowned.
"Then you'll stay on board," he said sharply.
"Perhaps I won't," I replied with spirit. It is doubtful if I would have spoken so sharply had I not had my friends on board.
"Yes, you will. Do you suppose I am going to let a boy ride over me? Not much!"
"You had no right to take me on board."
"I have a right to take my men where I find them. Now get to your work. I will give you half an hour to think over what I have said. Then you will either sign off for the trip without pay, or you will continue on the trip."
"And my money and the letter?"
"I have nothing to do with them," he replied coldly. "Now clear out!"
I went on deck. I was satisfied that there would be lively times ahead.
Yet little did I dream of all that was to befall me ere I parted company with Captain Hannock and the Spitfire.