The Last Cruise of the Spitfire: or, Luke Foster's Strange Voyage

"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.

CHAPTER XVI

AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY

When I left the cabin after my interview with Captain Hannock I knew not what to do. I was unwilling to leave the vessel with the promise that I would not prosecute him for what had been done to me, and, on the other hand, I did not care particularly to stay on board if the Spitfire should continue her journey.

Of course I knew Mr. Ranson would stop the schooner at New Bedford if he could, and have the captain, Lowell and Crocker arrested for conspiracy to defraud. But there might be some slip, and I wished to take no chances.

Had I had the London letter that had been taken from me I should not have cared what Captain Hannock wished me to do, but watched my chances, and gone ashore at the first opportunity.

Where the letter was I could not imagine, excepting that it might be in the cabin or the captain's stateroom.

One thing was certain. Whatever happened I must regain the letter. Personally it was to me of greater importance than the exposure of what was going on aboard the schooner.

I walked aft and discovered the lawyer in conversation with Tony Dibble.

"I suppose you have been to see the captain," said Mr. Ranson with a peculiar smile.

"Yes, sir, I have;" and I related the result of the interview.

"I had a talk with him about your case," went on the lawyer. "But I did not think he would get around it in this fashion. Well, I will see that you get through all right."

"I wouldn't care, excepting for that letter," I returned.

"We can get a search warrant, and hunt it up."

"But, in the mean time, Captain Hannock may destroy it. No doubt he thinks it of small account."

"If I were you I'd hunt it up on my own account," put in Dibble. "You did slick work finding out about that cargo of stones and kindlings, why can't you do as well finding out about that letter and your money?"

"I have half a notion of that sort," I replied. "What do you think of it, Mr. Ranson?"

"I'm afraid it would go hard with you if Captain Hannock caught you."

"But would I be acting right?"

"Every person undoubtedly has a right to search for his own when it has been stolen from him."

"Then I'll hunt it up if I have to turn the cabin and staterooms upside down," was my sudden determination.

"You will hardly have time while we are going up the harbor," said Dibble.

"Are we in sight of New Bedford?"

"Oh, yes. There it is right ahead."

I looked. Sure enough, land was not a great distance off.