“Certainly,” said Sir John; “I want to feel that we can go about in safety.”
“I suppose you’ll be too tired to go, Jack?” said the doctor.
“Too tired? Didn’t I keep up well to-day?” said the lad quickly.
“Capitally; but you look done up.”
“I shall be ready in the morning,” said Jack shortly.
“Don’t attempt too much at first, Jack,” said his father.
“Oh no, I will not do that. But I can’t be left behind.”
There was no need for any question about the matter, for the captain now joined in the conversation again.
“I propose, Sir John,” he said, “that we should have the first cutter and the gig to-morrow morning, and let the men row gently along the lagoon, close in shore. It will be a change; we can get along faster, and land as often as you wish. I could have the awning rigged up.”
“Yes, capital!” cried the doctor. “If you decide on that, Sir John, I should advise a start at daybreak, and a halt for breakfast when the sun begins to get hot. But, of course, we should have some coffee and biscuit before we start.”