"Now that we have so kindly been permitted to enter," said Lord Hastings, "I don't believe it would be half a bad idea for us to go ashore; or at least two of us."
"I speak to go with you, sir," exclaimed Frank.
"So do I, sir," said Jack.
"Well, all three of us can't go," Lord Hastings decided. "We'll draw straws to see who are the fortunate—or unfortunate—two. I'll draw with you. The one who gets the short one loses."
He drew three toothpicks from his pocket, and putting them behind his back, broke one. Then he held them out to Frank.
"Pick one," he said.
Frank did so, and glanced at it eagerly. It had not been broken.
"I go," he declared.
"It's between us now," said Lord Hastings to Jack. "Pick one, Jack."
He held up the remaining two toothpicks Jack gazed at them earnestly.