“What at?” said the doctor, who was startled by the man’s energy. “What do you see—natives?”
“No, no, sir; there, sir, in a row along beyond the sands. Noo milk for that there lad, sir. Vegetable cows—cocoanuts. Plenty for years to come.”
“Yes, we shall be in the midst of plenty,” said the doctor, looking wistfully round. “Prisoners, perhaps, but happily provided for. Look yonder, Bostock.”
“What at, the birds, sir? I’ve seen ’em all the morning. Ducks and terns as well as gull things. They seem to be nesting about those rocks yonder. And of coarse that means noo-laid eggs for that there boy; yes, and roast duck. There’s shooting tackle down below, isn’t there, sir?”
“Yes, the captain has arms, and I have a double gun in my cabin.”
“There, hark at that, sir,” cried the old sailor. “Now what could one wish for more?”
“What indeed?” said the doctor, smiling at his companion’s enthusiasm.
“Nothing, sir,” cried Bostock. “Yes, there’s something, sir, as we haven’t got and we must have.”
“What’s that?”
“A boat, sir, to get ashore with. Now, that is a bit o’ bad luck.”