in some of
their canvas. They can't stand this blow with so much top-hamper.
We'll show them a clean pair of heels yet."

And so it turned out. With bow buried in foam and decks awash the
schooner staggered swiftly onward under full press of sail, although
every moment the canvas threatened to tear itself out of the bolts.
Before the darkness enveloped her the brig had disappeared behind,
completely distanced. Everybody on board breathed more freely.
Setting a course that, by a wide detour, would bring him in due time to
Boston, the captain took satisfaction by cursing the brig for causing
him the loss of a whole day at least.

That night Ben, for the first time, told Eric what had been arranged
concerning him. On their arrival in Boston he was to be kept hidden in
the hold until the time came for the sailing of a ship for England,
about which the captain knew. He would be placed on board this ship as
cabin boy. When she reached her destination he might make his way to
his friends the best he could. By that time the wreckers (none of whom
intended to return to Sable Island) would have disposed of their booty,
and scattered beyond all possibility of being caught.

Ben did not add, as he might have done, that in order to effect this
arrangement he had to bribe the captain, by turning over to him
one-half of his own interest in the schooner's cargo.

After living in peril of death for so many months, this plan filled
Eric's heart with joy. It might mean many more hardships, but it also
meant return to those who were now mourning him as dead. He thanked
Ben over and over again, assuring him he would never forget his
wonderful kindness; and as Ben listened in silence there was a distinct
glistening in the corner of his eye that showed he was not unmoved.

The storm blew itself out during the night, and was followed by a
steady breeze, which bore the schooner along so fast that ere the sun
went down on the following afternoon she was gliding up Boston Bay,
looking as innocent as any ordinary fishing schooner. The anchor
plunged with a big splash into the still water, the chain rattled
noisily through the hawse-hole, and the voyage was ended.

Without delay a boat was lowered. The captain and Evil-Eye got into
it, inviting Ben to accompany them, but he declined. He intended to
watch over Eric until he should be taken to the English ship. The boat
rowed off, and before it returned Eric was sound asleep.

H