“And no one can’t say, sir, as I’ve got my grumbling stop out, which I do have sometimes,” he added, with a broad grin, “and lets go a bit.”
“You do, Chips; but I want you to understand that this is a very serious bit of business we are on.”
“O!”
A very large, round, thoughtful O, and the man hauled steadily away, nodding his head the while.
“Serous, eh? Then you aren’t going fishing?”
“Fishing, no!”
“Then it’s something to do with the gunboat?”
“Don’t ask questions,” cried Poole. “Be satisfied that we are going on a very serious expedition, and we want you to help us all you can.”
“Of course, my lads. Shall I want my tools?”
“No.”