The mate was close beside us, giving orders for the disposal of the small boat, and he turned and clasped my hand for the first time.

“Mighty glad t’ see ye both back.  I suppose the rest are aboard the Sovereign” said he, looking us over.

“And they come aboard with a tale that I’m some other man than Captain Thompson; that I knew that he was coming, and got aboard before him and went out in his place,” said Jackwell.  “Sink me, Trunnell, but I’m afeard you’ll have to put them in irons.”

“That’s quare enough,” said the mate, with a smile.  “Come below, Rolling, and let’s have yer yarn.  You, too, Chips, ye’ll need a nip of good stuff as well.  I’m sorry ye’ve turned up with a screw loose.  All right, cap’n.  Square away when ye’re ready.  The boat’s all right.”  And the little bushy-headed fellow turned and led the way down over the poop, entering the forward cabin, where the steward was waiting to tell us how glad he was we had turned up, and also serve out good grog with a meal of potatoes and canned fruit.

I was so tired and hungry from the exertions of the past twenty-four hours that I went below without further protest, Chips following sullenly.

“I’se sho nuff glad to see yo’ folks agin, Marse Rolling,” said the steward.  “Take a little o’ de stuff what warms an’ inwigerates.”

We fell to and ate heartily, and while we did so we told our story.  Trunnell sat, and every now and again scratched his bushy head with excitement and interest while we told of the way Andrews had done.  When we told how Jim had come to be aboard the Pirate, he walked fore and aft on the cabin deck, shaking his head from side to side, and muttering.

“Was Jim the only one who knew about the business?” he asked.

We told him he was, and that no one but Chips and myself had heard what the detective had said.

Trunnell sat with his hands in his hair for the remainder of the time we were filling ourselves.  He said nothing further until Chips made some remark about his taking the ship in.  Then he arose and stood before us.

“It may be as ye say, Rolling.  I’d hate to doubt your word, and don’t, in a way, so to speak.  But discipline is discipline.  You men know that.  Our captain comes aboard with a letter sayin’ as he’s the Thompson what’ll take the ship out.  We has orders to that effect from the owners.  It ain’t possible another man could have known o’ the thing so quick, and come aboard to take his place.  Leastways, we hain’t got no evidence but the word of a sailor who’s dead, to the contrary.  It may be as ye say, but we’ll have to stick to this fellow until we take soundings.  When we gets in, then ye may tell yer tale an’ find men to back it.  Don’t say no more about it while we’re out, for it won’t do no good, an’ may get ye both in irons.  ’Twas a devil ye had for a shipmate when Andrews went with ye,—­a terrible man, sure enough.  I’ve insisted on standing backwards an’ forrads along the track for nearly a week in hopes we’d pick ye up, an’ I’ve nearly had trouble with the old man for waiting so long.  He’s heard o’ the fracas, an’ will stand along to pick up his third mate.  I don’t know as he’ll care for Andrews, but he’ll take the girl-mate sure if he’s afloat.”