"A rather strange tale," he commented when I had concluded, "and,
perhaps, the whole is not told. However that is none of my affair.
Now listen; this is a revenue cutter. We were ordered out of Pensacola
four days ago to intercept this boat on which you two were prisoners.
We have n't even sighted the vessel, and if we did would be perfectly
helpless; as she can steam three knots to our one. Only some streak of
wonderful good luck would ever enable us to capture her. I half
believe you are the good luck, if you do what I suggest."
"What?" I asked. "I will be willing. Would you need Mrs. Henley also?"
"Yes," he turned to the officer who was still standing.
"How large was the boat, Mr. Smith?"
"Capable of transporting about fifteen, sir."
"Hardly enough; still I don't know; we could afford to take a chance.
What crew did the _Sea Gull_ carry?"
"I do not know how many were below, sir," I answered, beginning dimly
to conceive his purpose. "I never saw to exceed a dozen on deck in a
watch."
"Any evidence they were armed?"
"I know they were not; the officers carried weapons, but would never
trust the crew."
"And only two officers remaining?"
"There may be an engineer, sir."
He pondered a moment, grave-faced, and silent.
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