Of course you may
have a spell of imprisonment; but it is likely that one at least of
the ships may be caught going out to-night, and if it happened to be
ours you would get the prison without the prize-money."
"That is so," Jacques agreed. "If you give me half an hour to think it
over I will give you an answer. It's come upon me sudden-like. I will
talk it over with the boy. I suppose I can tell him, captain?"
On regaining the deck Jacques looked about for Ralph.
"Come and sit along with me out on the bowsprit, lad, I want to have a
private talk with you."
Somewhat surprised Ralph followed his friend out on to the bowsprit.
"Now, boy," he said, "I have got a bit of news to tell you that will
be pleasant to you. That's the first thing; and the next is, I want
your advice. You are a sensible young chap, you are, although you are
but a lad, and I should like to know what you think about it."
"Well, what's the good news, Jacques?"
"The good news is this; you are likely, before this time to-morrow, to
be with your friends." Ralph gave such a start of delight that he
nearly slipped off the bowsprit.
"How is that Jacques? It seems too good to be true."
"This is the way of it," Jacques said. "The three vessels are all
going to cut and run to-night. That schooner of yours is round the
other side of the island, and we want to be sure she is stopping
there, then there will only be the frigate to deal with, and in these
light winds and dark nights we ought to be able to give her the slip;
but the only way to be sure the schooner keeps the other side is to
watch her.
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