But Sydney’s greeting sent the happiness out of his heart and put there a feeling of hopelessness beyond power of expression. “Phil, that scoundrel has laid his wires cleverly,” he cried angrily. “O’Neil and I are, by the admiral’s order, restricted to the ship until the ‘Connecticut’ sails. Lazar is bound that Craig shall not be found.” CHAPTER XIX THE COURT MARTIAL Phil felt his last hope had gone. Craig, their only witness, would make good his escape. There was nothing left for him but to face the court martial and be found guilty of one of the most serious offenses against military discipline. “It’s perfectly hopeless, Syd,” he exclaimed dejectedly; “we can make no defense without this man.” “Cannot Marshall be induced to hunt for him ashore?” questioned Sydney thoughtfully; “he is your friend and hasn’t any love for Lazar.” “We might do that,” answered Phil readily. Then he shook his head on second thoughts; “it won’t help us. Lazar will find it out and see a means of keeping him aboardship too. He is a master schemer.” A soft tap on their door sounded startlingly to the unstrung lads. They exchanged glances, despair written on their faces. They had spoken in low tones, but they knew the ship was a sounding-board. Had they said anything that might be advantageous to their enemy? Phil stepped to the curtain and drew it cautiously aside, half expecting to see the cynical face of Lazar. “Why, O’Neil!” he cried gladly, “you gave us a scare. Come in.” “What is it?” Phil added, seeing the look of determination in the sailor’s face. “I’ve heard that ‘all hands’ are to be kept on board ship,” the sailor answered. “I heard Mr. Penfield talking to Mr. Lazar on the quarter-deck a minute ago. The admiral has given the order. Mr. Lazar has gone to the admiral himself to get permission to go ashore.” “That’s his doing,” cried Sydney hotly. “But he’ll get the permission,” he added dejectedly. “What I was going to say, sir,” O’Neil continued, “is, I have made my mind up to catch this fellow Craig, and I’ve come for that uniform I wore on the dago war-ship.” “I knew you couldn’t be downed, O’Neil,” Sydney exclaimed delightedly. “I have the three suits here. I was keeping them for souvenirs.” Phil’s face during the time his companions were talking wore a look of quiet dignity. He now put his hand affectionately on the sailor’s shoulder. “I can’t allow you to take this risk,” he said gently. “It’s my misfortune and I shall stand it.” O’Neil interrupted him hurriedly. “Mr. Perry, John O’Neil is always ready to obey you, but in this, sir, I know what is best. I want the clothes. I am too old a hand, sir, to get caught. You can trust me for that.” Phil would have broken in, but O’Neil would be heard. “I knew how you’d act about it, sir, but I need the uniform.” Sydney dragged the uniform out from a locker and gave it to the sailor.