This indifference might be considered kindness, inasmuch as it relieved the boy from attempting work which would have proven of a perilous nature.  This also relieved him in a great measure of the fear which made existence a burden during the first twenty-four hours.

On the third morning out from New York, Jim made the discovery that the rising sun was on his right, from which it was certain he was sailing toward the north.  Other evidence led him to conclude, from his knowledge of geography, that they had entered Delaware Bay, and were approaching Philadelphia.

“It’s a queer way of getting back home again,” was the reflection of the boy when convinced of the fact.

However, the Simoon did not propose to visit the Quaker City just then, and she came to anchor in a broad part of the bay, fully a half-mile from shore.

It was late in the afternoon that this stop was made; and just as night was closing in, a small boat containing two persons was discerned rowing out from land.  When they were nigh enough to board the schooner, Jim saw that one was Mr. Hornblower, and the other was a herculean negro, who was swaying the oars with the ease of a professional.

As both came on deck, the white man signified to the lad that he was to follow him into the cabin, where the door was shut, and they sat down facing each other.

“I might as well own that I deceived you when I pretended I wanted to hire a clerk,” began Hornblower, “but I had good reason for doing so; that reason I can’t give for the present.  Now,” and here Mr. Hornblower took a pencil and note-book from his pocket, “I want to know your full name and exact age.”

These were truthfully given and carefully written down.

“Now I want to know all about your parents, their age, your father’s business, and various other matters which I shall ask you.”

Jim had no reason to decline any information he was able to give, and he furnished all his captor desired to know.

When the examination was finished, the note-book was closed, and Mr. Hornblower asked, in the most friendly of tones,—­

“Have they used you well?”

“They have,” was the truthful reply.

“Do you know why?”

“I suppose because you instructed them to do so.”

“It’s not that, but because you behaved yourself; you haven’t made any trouble.”

“I don’t intend to do that, for there’s nothing to gain by it.  I haven’t any work to do, and may as well stay here as anywhere else.”

“Remember what I told you; so long as you keep quiet you are safe, but only on those conditions.”

As the man rose to go, Jim plucked up enough courage to ask,—­

“Will you be kind enough to let me know where we are going, and why it is you make a prisoner of me?”

“Since you have behaved so well I suppose I might as well do so.”

Hornblower opened his mouth to impart the information, when he changed his mind and shook his head.