In the presence of others there was always a coolness between Sam and the
boy, and it was impossible that either of the sailors should have
suspected the strong friendship that bound the two together.
The fact that the vessel was working her way northward again made Jim
uneasy; for it convinced him that a crisis was at hand, and his fate was
likely to be determined one way or the other very soon.
Sam was of the same belief, as he took occasion to say when the chance
offered. Adding that he would keep his eyes and ears open.
On a beautiful day in spring the Simoon entered New York Bay, and Jim
resolved to seize the first opportunity to escape. The sight of the great
city filled him with such longings to see his old friend Tom, that he
could scarcely conceal his impatience from the others.
A grievous disappointment awaited him.
So strict a surveillance was kept over him, that no artifice was
sufficient to secure the coveted chance.
That night Hornblower was on board, and a long and angry conference took
place forward between him and Bob.
Jim would have given the world could he have learned what it was; but
neither he nor Sam was allowed to catch a single expression.
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