“I don’t think there is; if there were any danger I certainly would not leave her,” replied Captain Ringgold. “Scoble can do no mischief in his present condition, and we are to take Frinks with us. The mate seems to be in a very friendly mood towards us, and I don’t believe we have anything to apprehend from him.” “Certainly not, if we take him with us,” added Louis. “Who is to go in the boat besides the mate?” “You and I must go, for in spite of appearances Frinks may be tricky and make trouble when we get away from the vessel, and are buried in the darkness. The safest way is to trust no one; and that is just what we will do.” “That is the better way.” “We take Frinks with us, and both of us have revolvers within reach of our hands on the instant. Of course Scoble can do nothing with his wrists ironed behind him, and made fast to the front of the berth. We shall leave Felix on board, and we are absolutely sure that he will be faithful.” “There is no possibility of a doubt so far as he is concerned,” replied Louis heartily. “One thing more, my boy. We have to dispose of Scoble, and what are we to do with him? No officer in Southfield would arrest him on your statement or mine; and it would not be right for any one to do so. Uncle Moses, you say, has one warrant, and Mr. Woolridge has the other. One of us must go home with your mother, and that will weaken our force. I have not much doubt a tug can be had in the town, and if we find a practicable way to get there over the marshes, one of us had better go and obtain it, and at the same time telegraph to Squire Scarburn to send an officer with the warrant to make the arrest. As I am the stronger man of the two for duty on board, you had better attend to this duty.” “Of course I am willing to do anything I can to get the villain inside of a prison,” added Louis. Captain Ringgold had no intention to take a nap, and for an hour longer he discussed the situation and the plan, for Louis found himself wide awake again as soon as the safety of his mother was under consideration. There was nothing to be seen in any direction but the lights in the town, which were growing less and less as the evening advanced; and vessels going into New York, if there were any on such a stormy night, did not go so far to the southward as the entrance to the bay. “We left Felix asleep in the cabin,” said the captain, after they had been on deck at least an hour and a half. “Perhaps you had better go below and see that all is well.” “I will do so,” replied Louis, as he went to the companion-way.