The examination below decks lasted nearly an hour, and was far from satisfactory to Arnold Baxter. He felt that the Wellington might be patched up, but the work would take at least several days, and there was no telling what would happen in the meantime.
"Dick Rover and his party are sure to find us Before that time," said
Dan.
"I am afraid so, Dan. But I know of nothing better to do than to remain here."
"We might find the Peacock and make a new deal with Captain
Langless."
"Langless is a weak-hearted fool, and I'll never trust him again. We would have done much better had we hired a small boat which we could ran alone."
"But what shall we do, dad?"
"I think we had best go into hiding in the interior of the island. We can take a store of provisions along from this boat."
"Shall we take the Rovers with us?"
"We may as well. We can't let them starve, and by holding them prisoners we may be able to make terms with Dick Rover and his friends."
"That's an idea. I reckon Dick will do a lot rather than see Tom and
Sam suffer."