The four boys, upon gaining the Pacha's deck, were taken below; and after drink and food had been given them, were called to the captain's cabin.

He spoke to them gravely, and inquired how it was that they had all got adrift, together.

They told him the circumstances, and said that they thought there was no chance of any mishap occurring; the knot was well fastened, the night was calm, and though they regretted much the pains and trouble which they had given, and the delay to which they had put the fleet, yet it did not appear to them, they said frankly, that they had been so very much to blame, as they could hardly have believed that the boat would have broken afloat; and indeed, Ned said plainly, they believed that it was not the result of chance, but that an enemy had done them an evil turn.
"Why think you so ?" Captain Drake said sharply.

"How can boys like you have an enemy ?" Gerald then detailed the account of their trouble with Master Taunton.
"He is a rough man," Captain Drake said, "and a violent man, maybe, but he is useful and brave.

However, I will have reason with him.
Of course it is a mere suspicion, but I will speak to my brother." When the boat had first come in sight, the Pacha had made the signal to the Swanne that the boys were found, and that she was to keep her course, drawing gradually alongside.