“Better give me yours to carry, Ned.”
“What, sir? Well, ’pon my word, Mr Jack, you do talk. I do wonder at you.”
Just then Jack started, for a hand was laid on his gun.
“Who’s that?” he cried.
“Only me, sir—Lenny,” said a dark figure behind him. “Let me carry your gun, and pouch too. I heerd what you said. Take hold of t’other’s weapon, mate,” continued the man to the sailor by him, and Jack and his man tramped the rest of the way relieved of their loads, heartily glad to hear at last a hail from somewhere away in the darkness.
It came from the boat; and directly after a bright light flashed out over the calm lagoon, like a star just rising to shine across the sea, and the men gave a cheer.
“Is that the Silver Star, Captain Bradleigh?” said Jack eagerly.
“Yes, my lad. That’s better than a figure-head, eh?”
It was extremely beautiful just then, and looked very attractive and suggestive of rest and a good meal, beside being a guide to them along the lagoon, the men as they bent to their oars having the straight path of light to follow right up to the yacht’s bows, and soon after the efforts of the cook and the cheery aspect of everything made Jack forget his weariness.
“Well, gentlemen,” said the captain after their late dinner, “I think that there ought to be another exploration to the east to-morrow.”