There
he was laid among the bales of Manchester cloth.
"It is not worth while to put down the hatch," said Captain
Fourneau. "Gustav, go to Mr. Turner and tell him that I would
like to have a word with him."
The unsuspecting second mate entered the cabin, and was instantly
gagged and secured as Burns had been.
He was carried down and laid beside his comrade. The hatch was
then replaced.
"Our hands have been forced by that red-headed dolt," said the
captain, "and I have had to explode my mine before I wished.
However, there is no great harm done, and it will not seriously
disarrange my plans.
"Kerouan, you will take a keg of rum forward to the crew and tell
them that the captain gives it to them to drink his health on the
occasion of crossing the line.
"They will know no better. As to our own fellows, bring them
down to your pantry so that we may me sure that they are ready
for business. Now, Colonel Gerard, with your permission we will
resume our game of ecarte."
It is one of those occasions which one does not forget.
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