Then, we might manage to cut the boat adrift some fine night when it's our watch on deck, and clear off before they discovered that we were gone.

But we would run the risk o' bein' caught by the blacks.

I wouldn't like to try that plan.

But you and I will think over it, Ralph, and see what's to be done.

In the meantime it's our watch below, so I'll go and turn in." Bill then bade me good night, and went below, while a comrade took his place at the helm; but, feeling no desire to enter into conversation with him, I walked aft, and, leaning over the stern, looked down into the phosphorescent waves that gargled around the ladder, and streamed out like a flame of blue light in the vessel's wake.