The first lieutenant adjusted his eye-glass, and read the statement through, asking an explanation of two or three points as he proceeded. He was deeply absorbed in the narrative, which was drawn up with the utmost minuteness.
"This is an infernal scheme, Mr. Somers. I hope you did not permit the vessel to sail without giving information of her character."
"The Ben Nevis sailed from New York before I could do anything or say a word," said Somers, exhibiting Langdon's letter.
"That was bad. You should have spoken before."
"My paper explains my reasons for keeping still. Perhaps I was wrong, sir, but I did the best I knew how."
"And this vessel is bound to Mobile. We may pick her up."
"The note says she is bound to Mobile; but it is not true. That is a blind to deceive me."
"Why should they wish to deceive you, after giving you their confidence."
"But what has all this to do with Mr. Pillgrim?" asked Mr. Hackleford.
"Mr. Pillgrim is the person spoken of in that paper as Coles."
"Impossible!" ejaculated Mr. Hackleford, springing to his feet.
"I shall be able to prove it by to-morrow, sir."
Somers then gave him the substance of the conversation between himself and Mr. Pillgrim.
"Why, this Coles wants something of you."
"Yes, sir; but I don't know what. He engaged to meet me here at four bells in the forenoon watch to-morrow, when he will tell me what he wants."
"Very well, Mr. Somers; meet him as agreed. You have played your part well. When you come together, you must yield the point; lead him along, and you will bag him,--and the vessel, I hope."
"The Ben Nevis will sail from St. John July 4, for Wilmington."
"Ah, then she is about even with the Chatauqua. I would give a year's pay for the privilege of catching her."
Until eleven o'clock the two officers consulted charts, and figured up the time of the Ben Nevis.
At eleven o'clock, when the master-at-arms knocked at the door of the fourth lieutenant, to inform him that it was time to put out his light, the calculations in regard to the position of the Ben Nevis had been made and verified. Mr. Hackleford, after counselling prudence and precaution, retired to his state-room. Somers threw himself on his cot, and having eased his mind of the heavy burden which had rested upon it, he went to sleep. But there was only an hour of rest for him, for at twelve o'clock he was to take the deck.
