"
"That looks as if a fo'c'stle fist had written it," remarked Duff
ruminatively. "I have felt for some time that Gary wouldn't object to
being rid of a few of us."
"'E's a bloomin' fool," quoth Ben, evidently feeling that this exigency
had removed all restraint of speech as regarded the captain. "Wot will
'e do short handed with a hundred or more black devils aboard in case
trouble comes? Barrin' I were out o' here though, I wouldn't care if I
never touched a halyard of the Wanderer again."
"You see," said Duff, "we three were known to disapprove of the whole
business. He needed me to get over here, for I know the coast. But he
can get along without me going back."
"What does that mean about Uncle Sam," asked Ralph.
"That is to make us think some Yankee cruiser is in the neighborhood,
and that they left for safety's sake. I half believe that is a blind.
But come. We must be stirring, and see if they are really gone, and
also if we can cross the bar in a calm, loaded as we are. I know we
can't, should a breeze spring up."
Presently they were aboard again, pulling for the inlet. As they
passed between a number of mangrove islets Ralph, looking down, could
see an occasional shark or sawfish leisurely prodding about ten or
fifteen feet below the surface.
But as they neared the bar the water grew clouded, though a dark dorsal
appendage thrusting itself here and there above the wave indicated the
terrible result that would probably follow should the boat capsize.
Pages:
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135