llage.

"I do not know what you think of that young gentleman, Master Ford,"
said Rullock; "but I have an idea that he is a rogue in grain, and a
fool into the bargain, as many rogues are. He was so frightened in the
hurricane that he does not want to go to sea again. I heard him talking
the other day with three or four passengers and several of the crew
about a plan he had proposed to remain behind. They have a notion that
if they were to set the _Amity_ on fire before we get the cargo on
board, the captain would only be too glad to leave those who might wish
to stay behind; he going off in the _Leopard_, or the pirate ship.
Master Ford thinks, as the chief part of the stores would be left
behind, they would have the advantage of them. They have induced three
or four silly young women to promise to remain with them. Of course,
the plan of burning the ship is a secret. Soon after I heard the
precious plan, they invited me to join them; because, knowing that I had
been an evil-doer, they thought I should have no scruple about the
matter."

Wenlock, on hearing this, immediately sought the captain.

"It would be very easy to prevent these plans being carried out," he
said; "but what to do with Ford and his companions is more difficult."

The captain took the matter very coolly.

"We will just pick out Master Ford and three or four of the ringleaders,
and clap them into limbo, and depend upon it they will not further
attempt to carry out their plan," he observed.

This was done forthwith by a party of soldiers from the ship of war, for
whom Wenlock had applied to Sir Richard Haddock. No further time was
now lost in getting the cargo on board. Ford and his companions had
been kept in durance vile in a hut by themselves, and a guard placed
over them. Sir Richard and Captain Dinan, and some other officers,
visited them together.

"Now, my friends," said the captain, "you have your choice. If you
desire to remain here, you are welcome to do so, but neither stores nor
provisions can we afford you. Otherwise, you will return on board the
ship, and, when we arrive in Pennsylvania, the matter will be submitted
to the proper authorities."

As Ford's companions were three of the greatest ruffians among the crew,
he, dreading to be left with them, entreated that he might be allowed to
return on board. They, however, wished to remain.

"No, no!" said the captain. "We did not give you your choice. You are
good s