The spanker was also set, without the head being hauled out.
By this time all hands were pretty well wearied, besides being very keen set, and some of Tari's cooking was demolished with many grimaces.
Then, leaving Jim at the wheel, they turned to again to rid the ship of water, and it was close on two bells in the first watch before the cheerful sound of the pumps sucking greeted their ears.
Leaving Lobu to resume his religious duties before the ebony image, the rest of the small ship's company assembled round the wheel, and held a counsel of ways and means.
"Wall, Jack," said Broncho, opening the debate, "you-alls bein' the old he-coon of this outfit, we awaits your remyarks as to what trail you allows we'd better pull our freight on to. We-alls wants to be posted as to how the kyards are stackin' up, an' how we're to play our hands to emerge victors out o' this here onexpected racket."
"I reckon we ought to be somewhere near Pitcairn or the Paumotus in less than ten days," replied the rover easily.
"At Pitcairn we can get fresh fruit and vegetables. From there we can jog across to Papeete, the port of Tahiti, hand the Ocmulgee over to the American consul, and take schooner for Frisco."
"The way you puts it, this here bill o' fare seems some easy to chew on," commented the cowpuncher, looking keenly at Jack. "Mebbe, though, it ain't sech a cinch as I surmises. Ain't we-alls some scarce as an outfit to keep this here ship from stampedin' 'way offen the trail? Do you-alls reckon we is numerous enough to ride herd on her."
"Well," returned Jack slowly, "we are rather short-handed, and that's a fact. Still [with a smile], we're enough to keep the ship from milling.[10] Tari and Jim can both steer; and you, Broncho, must have your first lesson as soon as possible. We three will have to take watch and watch, as I don't like to trust the ship to the Kanakas."