But these men were accustomed to
taking desperate risks, and had done many more reckless things than
this in the course of their lawless careers; besides, they expected to
overtake the raft within an hour or so, when they would send the boat
back to its owner, or leave it where he could find it. They did not
yet understand the connection between Cap'n Cod, whom they knew as the
proprietor of the _Whatnot_, and those who were interested in the
recovery of the raft. That made no difference, however. It was enough
that this boat had been used in their pursuit, and that by taking it
they might delay this pursuit until they should recover the raft and
make good their escape. Besides, it happened to be the only available
boat lying at the levee just then, and they would have taken it even
though they had been obliged to use force to gain its possession, so
eager were they to recapture the _Venture_.
This was the reasoning of two of the "river-traders;" while the third
sprang aboard because the others did, and without stopping to reason.
Grimshaw made his way at once to the pilothouse, where Mr. Gilder
followed him, in order to learn his plans. Plater walked aft, and
through the engine-room window saw that the mule was already in his
treadmill, where Solon had just completed his harnessing.
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