e
does not come with the missing people we must give them up for lost."

"That depends upon circumstances," said Mr McIvor, returning his pistol
to his belt. He and the rest continued to walk the deck, while the
captain went, muttering threats of vengeance, into his cabin.

None of us after this turned in. In a short time the splash of oars was
heard, and the boat came alongside. "We have come for food," said Mr
Fraser, one of the gentlemen who had gone in her. "I intend going back
at daylight, and must get two or three others to accompany me. We will
then have a thorough search for Duncan and the boy--there is no doubt
that they have lost their way, and if we fire a few muskets, they will,
with the help of daylight, easily find the harbour. Mr McIvor promised
to accompany his friend, and I volunteered to go also."

"No, Jack," said old Tom, "you remain with me. If we all go, the
captain may be playing us some trick." I don't know what side old Tom
would have taken if it had not been for young Sam. Judging by his usual
conduct, I suspect that he would have stood with his arms folded, and
let the rest, as he would have said, fight it out by themselves.

At daylight the boat pulled away with Mr McIvor and another additional
hand, taking a couple of muskets with them. Shortly afterwards the
captain appeared on deck--though he cast frequent angry glances towards
the shore, he said nothing--probably he could not afford to lose so many
hands, as there were now four away, besides the two gentlemen, while the
aspect of old Tom, with the rest of the crew, kept him from attempting
to carry out his evil intentions. Two or three times, notwithstanding
this, I thought he was about to order the anchor to be hove up; but
again he seemed to hesitate, and at length, towards noon, the boat was
seen coming off, with Mr Duncan and Sam in her. The captain said
nothing to the gentlemen, but, as soon as the boat was hoisted up, he
began to belabour poor Sam with a rope's end. He was still striking the
lad, when old Tom stepped between them, grasping a handspike. "What has
the lad done, sir?" he exclaimed. "Why not attack Mr Duncan? If
anyone is to blame for the delay, he is the person, not young Sam." The
gentlemen were advancing while old Tom was speaking, and several of the
crew cried out shame. The captain again found himself in the minority,
and, without replying to old Tom, walked aft, muttering between his
teeth.