“You know we’ll all do our best, Mr Rimmer,” said Panton. “You’ve helped us whenever we have hinted at wanting a hand.”
“Why, of course, sir, of course,” said the mate, interrupting the speaker. “It’s all right: turn for turn.”
“But why not begin to-day?” said Oliver.
“To be sure,” said the others.
“I didn’t want to be hard upon you, gentlemen, and so I thought I’d give you a day’s notice, but if you would all tackle to at once, why, I should be glad.”
“Then as far as we’re concerned,” said Oliver, “the lugger’s launched.”
“Thank you, gentlemen, all of you,” said the mate; and then drily, “but I don’t think we shall get her in the water to-day.”
There was a hearty laugh at this, but they were all serious directly, and the question of the launching was taken up.
“Two miles to the lagoon,” said Oliver; “it’s a long way.”
“Yes, sir, but every foot we get her along, will be one less.”