“But this is such an opportunity,” pleaded Oliver. “We are, as I said, on the slope of the mountain, pretty well rested, and I think I may say that we are all eager to go up.”
“No, sir, I don’t think you may say that,” replied the mate, grimly. “I’m pretty tired, and I’ve had a very anxious time lately.”
“Well, we three are anxious to try the ascent.”
“Oh, yes, I’m ready,” cried Panton, eagerly.
“And so am I,” cried Drew; but there was a want of earnestness in his words. “Let’s start at once.”
“Yes, gentlemen, back to the brig, please, and have a good rest. We’re none of us fit to-day.”
“But we must ascend this mountain.”
“Of course, sir, if it will let us,” said the mate; “but let’s come prepared. I’m with you at any time, and I should like to do it, but what I say is, let’s go back to the brig and have a day or two’s rest, and while we’re waiting make our plans and get a stock of food ready. Then we shall want plenty of light, strong line and a bit of rope ladder, and it would be wise to let the carpenter knock us up a light, strong set of steps of ten or a dozen foot long, the same as the Alpine gentlemen use. Then we could start some afternoon.”
“At daybreak, some morning,” cried Oliver.
“Let me finish, sir,” said the mate. “Start some afternoon and carry a spare sail and a hitcher or two in the boat. Then we could get round the mist, land, walk as far as we like that evening, and then light up our fire, and set up a bit of a tent. Next morning, after a good night’s rest, we could start fair, and do some work before the sun gets hot; for the mountain will be quite warm enough without the sun. There, gentlemen, what do you say to my plan?”