“That’s so,” Bob agreed after a moment’s consideration.
“Even if he did telegraph,” said Dan, “what could the police here do? If we told our story they wouldn’t dare to arrest us.”
“Well, they might take Spencer and hold him until the thing was cleared up,” said Nelson. “And it might end with Spencer going back with the captain. And I’ll be blowed if I’m going to have that!”
Tom had his month too full for utterance, but he shook his head violently and scowled disapprovingly.
There was a moment’s silence, during which everyone ate busily, broken at last by Spencer.
“Seems to me I’ve been trouble enough to you,” he said diffidently. “If you’ll put me ashore I guess I can make out all right now. And I’m much obliged for what you’ve done for me. And——”
“Pshaw!” interrupted Dan. “You’d be caught and lugged back to that old schooner the very first thing. No, sir, the best place for you is right here aboard the _Vagabond_. And if Provincetown isn’t a safe place to stay, I vote we move on.”
“I don’t care. In the morning, if you fellows think it’ll be safe to stay until then. Only we want to get out before Captain Chowder begins to use the wires.”
“I tell you!” exclaimed Nelson. “Just as soon as it’s light we’ll run outside a ways and put Spencer in the tender. Then he can row around and keep out of the way until we get our tank filled again. And then we can pick him up.”
“Dandy!” cried Tom. “And if they come and search us they won’t find him! And we can tell them that he fell overboard and——”
“And was swallowed by a whale,” laughed Bob. “That’s a good scheme, though, Nel. Would you mind if we did that, Spencer?”
“No, sir. I’d be all right if you left me some oars.”
“Of course we’ll leave you oars,” said Nelson. “That’s settled then. But we want to get out pretty early and be back here before the folks along the wharves are taking notice.”
“Well,” said Dan, “we’ll get Tommy to wake us.”
“Hope you choke,” responded Tom dispassionately.
“Haven’t anything to choke on,” answered Dan. “Pass me the bread.”
“I don’t believe the telegraph office will be open until about eight o’clock,” said Bob. “And it isn’t likely that the _Scout_ would get back to Sanstable to-night in time for the captain to telegraph. So I guess we’re safe until, say, nine to-morrow morning. That being the case, and Dan having eaten the last thing on the table, I will adjourn to the deck.”
