He has no means of knowing that the revenue officers are
after him. If he sights us at daybreak, he 'll make a run, and show us
a clean pair of heels. He 'd be hull down in five hours, for this is a
slow old tub. Now what I propose is this," and the Captain counted off
the points on his fingers. "There is about an hour of darkness
left--sufficient to enable me to run this cutter in behind Cosmos
Island safely out of sight. In the meanwhile we 'll dismantle that
small boat a bit, slip a dozen good men under the canvas, and turn her
adrift."
"And you wish me to go also?"
"Yes, if you will."
"And Mrs. Henley?"
"That would be the only way to allay suspicion on the _Sea Gull_."
I hesitated, half turning so as to look at her. Our eyes met, and she
must have instantly read the question in mine, for she arose to her
feet, and rested one hand on my arm.
"You wish to say yes?" she asked quietly. "You believe the plan will
succeed?"
"It sounds feasible. I would gladly go myself, but I hesitate at
exposing you; there will be fighting."
"But my being there is one of the requisites of success?"
"I suppose so. If you were not visible in the boat, they might
suspicion the truth."
She glanced toward the waiting Captain, and then back into my face.
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