“Yes, father, but you’re not.”
“No, I’m not coming this morning. There’ll be plenty in the boat without me.”
“Oh!” ejaculated the lad, “you go, and I’ll stay behind.”
“Certainly not. You’ll have the doctor with you.”
“And Mr Bartlett,” said the captain, strolling up.
“But you’re coming,” cried Jack. “No; Bartlett’s a better hand at this sort of work than I am. He and Lenny will show you plenty of sport, and help to rid the seas of some of these dangerous brutes. Now then, over with you.”
Ned did not need the order, for he had already stepped over the side with the oarsmen.
“Make anything out, Bartlett?” shouted the captain.
“No,” came from the mast-head. “I’ve swept well round, and there’s nothing in sight.”
“Come down then, and I’ll send up one of the watch.”