The governor and his companions clambered over the rail and disappeared
from the view of Tom Newcombe, who paced impatiently up and down the
wharf, now and then stopping to survey his vessel, and wishing that he
could look far enough into the future to see what part she was destined
to play in the Crusoe drama. If they were pursued, was she fleet enough
to carry them out of harm's way? Would she take them safely to their
island, or would she be capsized and sunk before she got out of
Buzzard's Bay? Tom did not bother his head much about these questions,
for he knew that the little schooner was staunch and swift, and, as he
began to have great confidence in his abilities as a navigator and
seaman, he was sure that he could bring her safely out of any danger
that might befall her. On the subject of destroying the Storm King,
however, he debated long and earnestly. He began to see that there was
danger in it. The students were alert and watchful, and if they caught
him on board the vessel with matches and a bottle of coal-oil in his
pocket, what would they do to him? Tom trembled a little as he asked
himself this question, but he never once thought of giving up his
"splendid idea." He only wished that the work was done, and that he was
well out to sea with the Sweepstakes. Meanwhile, the governor and his
men moved cautiously along the wharf toward Mr. Henry's store. They
walked around the elevator without seeing any signs of the watchman, and
were about to enter the passage when Sam, who was leading the way,
suddenly stopped.

"What was that noise?" he asked, turning to his companions. "Didn't you
hear something drop in the store?"

"I heard it thunder," replied Jack Spaniard.

"So did I," said Xury.

"That wasn't thunder," returned the chief. "It was some other kind of
noise; an' I am sure it was in the store. Mebbe Harding is movin' around
in there. You stay here, an' I'll go to the door an' listen."

The Crusoe men concealed themselves behind the elevator, and the
governor moved up the passage-way, holding in his hand a bag which he
had brought to carry away his share of the provisions, and which he
also intended to use in conquering Johnny Harding, if the opportunity
presented itself. If the clerk was awake, and should happen to come to
the door, he would throw the bag over his head, and hold him fast until
his men could come to his assistance. He approached the door very
cautiously, and when he reached it, he