The mate, better acquainted with
Tommy's feelings and attachment for Manuel than he was with the
rules of the prison and Mr. Grimshaw's arbitrary orders, assured the
Captain that such a course would be entirely unnecessary, for he
knew when he left that he would stop all night with Manuel. This
quieted the Captain's apprehensions, and he said no more about it
until he sat down to breakfast. "I miss Tommy amazingly," said the
Captain. "If he stopped all night, he should be here by this time. I
think some one had better be sent to the jail to inquire for him."
Just as he arose from the table, one of the crew announced at the
companion that a person on deck wished to see the Captain. On going
up, he found a policeman, who informed him that a little boy had
been arrested as a vagrant in the street, last night, and when
brought before the mayor a few minutes ago, stated that he belonged
to his vessel, and the mayor had despatched him to notify the
master. "Circumstances are suspicious; he was seen in company with a
negro of very bad habits; but if you can identify the boy, you had
better come quick, or he'll be sent to jail, and you'll have some
trouble to get him out," said the messenger, giving the Captain a
description of the boy.
"Oh yes!" said the Captain, "that's my Tommy. I verily believe
they'll have us all in jail before we get away from the port.
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