“W-we w-will g-get a s-s-shot at the s-sun in the m-m-orning,� he continued, “an’ t-then we will s-s-see where w-we are.�
“Aye,� said I, “in the morning.� I yawned extravagantly. “I will go and turn in, I think. If you need me, call me.�
He flung a vile suggestion after me which made me want to turn and heave him overboard, but I had to force a laugh as I went below into the cabin. I saw that in a few moments he and the lookouts forward and aft would be like the rest.
The lazarette was well provided and I stocked the boat handsomely, not forgetting compass, lantern, tinder box, and candles. There was not much water, but I emptied some bottles of wine and filled them, although I did not greatly worry on that account because there would be plenty of water undoubtedly on the island. The boat was provided with a mast and sail. I got into her as she swung at the davits and overhauled spar and gear. Then I shipped the tiller and presently everything was ready. A final search brought to light a narrow locker in the captain’s room which I forced open, and found to contain a fine fowling piece, a double-barreled shotgun, and a heavy musket with plenty of powder and ball. These I passed into the boat also, with a sharp and heavy axe.
“Have you got ready all that you wish to take?� I asked my little mistress when all my own preparations were completed.
“A change of linen, some toilet articles and necessaries, needles and thread,� she answered, holding up her bundle.
“Good,� said I. I judged it was about ten o’clock at night. “Now do you get into the boat, madam.�
She had not been on the ship for six months without having learned something about it and she instantly asked me,
“But how are you going to lower the boat away?�
“I will have to go up on deck for that,� I said.