Page:Mistress Madcap (1937).pdf/153

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were still bound. Then, when we are on deck, I can give battle and do ye run, Cherry, for the rowboat and escape in that!"

"But what about you. Young Cy?"

"I care not for myself," answered the boy impatiently. "I will always fall upon my feet like a cat, no matter how or where I am thrown. Do not worry about me. Charity. I am sure I can make an escape later. But do ye as I bid! Promise me!"

"Aye, Young Cy, I promise," faltered Charity, only half satisfied by this plan which permitted only her flight.

They relapsed into silence. Charity had at once replaced the little box, with the dagger inside, upon the table, exactly where she had found it. And now the thumpity thump of the spyglass did not sound so triumphant, so taunting, at least to Charity's imaginative ears.

It was evident that Captain Jaffray was most contemptuous concerning their attempting an escape. He did not trouble himself to watch them at all. He had, as a matter of fact, at once fallen asleep upon throwing himself upon his bunk and did not reappear until the end of their voyage.

Young Cy prayed that the captain would not light the candle lest he discover that his hands and feet were no longer tied. But he was disappointed. The first thing Captain Jaffray did upon his reappearance in the cabin was to stride to the table and there, striking flint against steel, light the candle and turn to survey them trifle sleepily its yellow, flickering light.