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"But that boy may telegraph to St. Clair or Port Huron, or some other point, and have the Peacock held up," answered Arnold Baxter. "We've got to run that risk," was the grim reply. "If we get caught, I'll have an account to settle with Cadmus." A while later the mate and the sailors who had been with him were called into the cabin, so that Captain Langless might hear what they had to say.
"I'll fix them for that," said Arnold Baxter, when he heard the account. "They'll find out who is master before I get through with them." But this did not suit Captain Langless, who had not forgotten his talk with the Rovers at the dinner table. If it looked as if he was going to be cornered, he thought that a compromise with Tom and Sam would come in very handy.
The Peacock was bowling along at a speed of seven or eight knots an hour, and the creaking of the blocks attested the fact that Captain Langless was making every effort to reach his destination as soon as possible. Once the boys heard somebody at the forward hatchway, and presently the hatch was lifted for a few inches.
"Overheard Captain Langless talking about it, yes, sir overheard him talking to a man named Baxter and a man named Grimsby he as used to be a smuggler. Langless used to be in with Grimsby, although few know o' that. They talked a lot, but that wouldn't interest you. But the fact that they are goin' to Needle Point Island interests you, eh?" "When did you hear this talk?"
"Well, let him go," said Tom. "We have Arnold Baxter, and he is the chief villain. I don't believe Captain Langless will ever bother us again." After a long conversation it was decided that all of the party should return to the mainland in the steam tug and the sloop, the latter to be towed by the former.
"Then it is likely that this man told the truth?" "I don't know as Captain Langless could find a better hiding place. The island is in the shape of a five-leaf clover, and the bays are all surrounded with tall trees and bushes, so that a vessel could be hidden there without half trying.
The cook had another trayful of food, which he passed to Dick in silence, taking the other tray in exchange. "Where is Captain Langless?" asked Tom. "Can't come now," answered the cook. "Then send the Baxters here." "They can't come either." "Have they gone ashore?" questioned Dick. "I can't answer any questions," and the cook started to back out. "Who is in charge? We must see somebody."
A few additional words passed between Captain Langless and the Baxters, and then the owner of the Peacock awaited the coming of our friends, who were now almost alongside, never suspecting the trap which was set for them. "Do you see anything of the Baxters?" asked Sam, when the rowboat was within a hundred feet of the schooner. "I thought I did before, but I don't see them now," answered Tom.
Dick looked around, to see that no outsider was within earshot. "Why do you play the game with them, Captain Langless?" he whispered. The owner of the schooner frowned. "Well, one must make a living, if you want an answer," he returned shortly. "True, but you might make a living more honestly." "By helping us, for instance," added Tom. "By helping you?" "Yes, by helping us," resumed Dick.
The bully's face was dark and threatening, yet he did not dare say much, for Captain Langless had given him warning that the prisoners must not be molested. "I suppose you think it a fine thing to be up here," he began. "It will be if we don't get too much of you." replied Tom bluntly. "I suppose you would give a good deal to be on land." "Not particularly. We enjoy sailing.
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