I suppose I can tell him, captain ?" On regaining the deck Jacques looked about for Ralph.
"Come and sit along with me out on the bowsprit, lad, I want to have a private talk with you." Somewhat surprised Ralph followed his friend out on to the bowsprit.
"Now, boy," he said, "I have got a bit of news to tell you that will be pleasant to you.

That's the first thing; and the next is, I want your advice.

You are a sensible young chap, you are, although you are but a lad, and I should like to know what you think about it." "Well, what's the good news, Jacques ?" "The good news is this; you are likely, before this time to-morrow, to be with your friends." Ralph gave such a start of delight that he nearly slipped off the bowsprit.
"How is that Jacques?
It seems too good to be true." "This is the way of it," Jacques said.

"The three vessels are all going to cut and run to-night.

That schooner of yours is round the other side of the island, and we want to be sure she is stopping there, then there will only be the frigate to deal with, and in these light winds and dark nights we ought to be able to give her the slip; but the only way to be sure the schooner keeps the other side is to watch her.