It was not Will’s intention to reveal the entire truth to him, however.
He was, in fact, now sorry that he had warned him to the extent he had.
“You say you don’t know where Jack Marcy is?”
“Because I got separated from him and the others.”
“And I floated out to sea on a cake of ice.”
“Yes, and brought to Portland. Now then, Captain Morris, I’ve answered your questions and I wish to go.”
“To tell people all about the Albatross?”
“It will show my former story to have been a lie.”
“Maybe. You’re a dangerous enemy to my interests, and for self-protection I think I’ll keep you here a few days.”
Before Morris could interrupt him he had opened it and sprang into the next apartment.
As he did so, and attempted to rush past the men who were there, one of them put his feet out.
As Will stumbled over and fell to the floor he recognized him.
It was Donald Parker, the manager and confidant of Captain Morris.
He seemed to understand that Will was trying to escape.
“Stop that boy!” yelled Morris from the next room.
Parker sprang to the door and blocked Will’s exit.
The latter turned to three men seated drinking and smoking.
“They are trying to keep me here against my will!” he cried.
At that moment Captain Morris entered the room.
With a single blow of his fist he knocked Will to the floor.
“You’ve killed him, captain,” spoke Parker, concernedly.
“Nonsense, he’s only stunned. See here, men, you all know me?”
“Very well, captain,” chimed in the denizens of the bar-room.
“I’m your friend, and we’re working for mutual interests.”
“In the smuggling trade; eh, captain?” laughed one of the men.
“Never mind. This boy may ruin all our plans.”
“I don’t intend to. I intend to keep him a close prisoner for a few days, and no one must know of his being here. You understand, Jones?” he said, turning to the landlord.
“You get me my liquor too cheap to have me meddle with your business,” replied the tavern-keeper.
“Now boys,” continued Morris, “we must get him out of here.”
“One of you secure a horse and wagon at once.”
Parker started out to fill Morris’ order.
“When we get to the yacht I’ll explain this affair to you,” said the captain to the men.
Half an hour later Morris, Parker and the three men, who were evidently familiar associates, left the bar-room.