“Nearly ready,” said Sir John. “Then you will not go with us to-day?”
“No, sir. Let Bartlett have a turn, and I’ll take care of the yacht. One word though. I don’t for a moment think you will come across savages, but if you do I should like you to take the lead. You don’t want to fight, only to get back safely to the yacht, so make the best retreat you can.”
“Of course,” said Sir John, and Jack looked from one to the other in an excited way, “I expect the doctor here would like a fight,” said the captain with a grim smile.
“I! Why?” cried Doctor Instow, with a surprised look.
“So as to be getting a specimen or two to take home. I know what you naturalists are.”
“Oh, pooh! nonsense! absurd!” cried the doctor, taking a good deep draught of the coffee Sir John’s man knew so well how to provide. “Doctors want to save life, not to destroy it—clever doctors do; and I’m not such a very bad one, am I, Jack?”
“I can’t talk properly with my mouth full,” was the reply.
“But this is not breakfast, my boy,” said Sir John, smiling.
“He’s quite right, sir,” said the captain. “Always make your hay while the sun shines, especially when you’re travelling.”
There was no sign of any light when they went on deck, to find the men in the boats, and the mate waiting with Edward who had slipped up by his side.