were ordered out of Pensacola
four days ago to intercept this boat on which you two were prisoners.
We have n't even sighted the vessel, and if we did would be perfectly
helpless; as she can steam three knots to our one. Only some streak of
wonderful good luck would ever enable us to capture her. I half
believe you are the good luck, if you do what I suggest."

"What?" I asked. "I will be willing. Would you need Mrs. Henley also?"

"Yes," he turned to the officer who was still standing.

"How large was the boat, Mr. Smith?"

"Capable of transporting about fifteen, sir."

"Hardly enough; still I don't know; we could afford to take a chance.
What crew did the _Sea Gull_ carry?"

"I do not know how many were below, sir," I answered, beginning dimly
to conceive his purpose. "I never saw to exceed a dozen on deck in a
watch."

"Any evidence they were armed?"

"I know they were not; the officers carried weapons, but would never
trust the crew."

"And only two officers remaining?"

"There may be an engineer, sir."

He pondered a moment, grave-faced, and silent.

"It is not a very complicated plan, but we will try It. I don't think
Henley will leave these waters without an effort to recover his boat,
and prisoners. He will want those papers, and revenge on Craig here.
He has no warning that we are after him. I believe the fellow will
cruise about in the same neighborhood until daylight. What do you say,
Smith?"

"I agree with you, sir."

"Good; then all we have got to do is lay a trap; the boat's the trap."

"You mean conceal a squad of men in the bottom, and send it adrift
again?"

"Exactly; lower the mast, as though Craig here had been unable to step
it; or, better still, heave it overboard; the loss of weight will give
room for another man. Then cover the lads over with the canvas. They
will never suspect the ruse on the _Sea Gull_, or study it out through
glasses. They 'll simply recognize their boat, and steer for it."

"The fighting odds will be pretty heavy, sir," said Smith soberly.

The Captain's smile lit up his stern features.

"I would not so consider if it was my privilege to be along," he
replied. "We must trust to surprise, and get the crew below fastened
down before an alarm is sounded on board. A dozen armed men ought to
clear the decks. How do you look at the affair, Craig? Will the plan
work?"

"I am not sure I understand exactly what is proposed, sir?"

"My though