“When this boat is ready and properly laden, she cannot be left without a crew on board.”
“On account of the blacks,” cried Oliver. “No, it is impossible for her to be left.”
Chapter Forty Seven.
Left in the Lurch.
The question of building another craft remained in abeyance for a time, all attention being given to the furnishing, the decking, rigging, and other fittings of the Little Planet. Then the cases of specimens were got down and placed on board, Panton’s first, for they took the place of ballast. Then all necessary stores and water were stowed away, with compass, instruments, and everything ready for an immediate start.
“We shall be packed pretty close,” said the mate; “but I propose that we land whenever we have an opportunity, so that we shall not feel the confinement quite so much.”
“Then, now that all is right, we may go on collecting?”
“Yes,” said the mate, “and I think instead of attempting to build another it would be wiser to half-deck over our two best boats and store them ready. I can’t help feeling that it will be safer, and that if we try to save too much we may lose all.”