“I’m not any too well read in the law, lieutenant, but I can plainly see that my assistance to the enemy in war time looks pretty much like treason to my country. I have heard Uncle Jabez Rich tell the story of Benedict Arnold too often not to know something of a traitor’s fate. All the same, lieutenant, ’tis very kind of you to try and make it easy for me.” “Captain Raggett is determined to have his way in this matter, Captain Mayo, and it pains me to think of your position should you refuse to carry out his orders. I have heard some stories of the fearful punishments suffered by recalcitrant American prisoners and I know Barclay of the ‘Grampus’ does not mince matters when dealing with such unfortunates.” “Aye,” said Hoppy, “I know the poor devils are badly treated. Dunton seems to know that we are to be shipmates; he passed me a short time ago and there was a triumphant leer on his countenance. I shouldn’t call him a handsome man at the best of times, but the look he favored me with would become the devil himself!” “Yes, Captain Mayo, Dunton has got orders to be ready for the cruise. I regret that you should be under his command, but I trust you will see the uselessness of running foul of him.” “Oh, you can trust me for that, lieutenant. I shall make it a point to steer clear of him as much as I can. Anyway, as the schooner will have a crew of twenty it looks like a poor chance for me in case of trouble!” “The crew will treat you all right. They are all good men and especially detailed for this business on account of their good characters. Like all man-o’-war’s men they like their frolic and their grog, but Dunton is not very popular and he is sure to limit the strong waters.” “Then his popularity won’t increase, Mr. Fotheringay. When do we start?” “The frigate sails tomorrow for a practice cruise in Massachusetts bay and it is probable that the schooner will leave at the same time.” “All right, Mr. Fotheringay; you can tell Captain Raggett that I shall do my best to help Dunton in the survey. Between us we should be able to find out the dangerous places, and they are many. I wonder what Win Knowles thinks of all this!” “Captain Knowles will be very busy getting that ransom money,” replied the lieutenant smilingly. “He’ll be in a devil of a state of mind when he finds that he can’t get back to the frigate! However, I gave him a broad hint that his journey would do me no good, but Win was always one of those fellows that you can’t convince when he’s made up his mind that his own ideas are the best.” Fotheringay reported Hoppy’s decision to the commander and the latter expressed his satisfaction at the Cape Codder’s acquiescence in the project. Next morning, the frigate passed out of Provincetown harbor and headed for the northwest. Soon after, the schooner’s anchor was weighed and the memorable cruise began.