“Which I shouldn’t say as there was, sir,” said the boatswain, “unless some of these copper rascals come and land, for this here must be only a little island, as a climb up the mountain will show us when you like to go, sir.”
“Never mind, Small, carry a loaded revolver. Better be prepared than be caught helpless. Besides, you might, perhaps, unexpectedly get a shot at a pig, and such a chance mustn’t be lost.”
Danger past, a sailor soon recovers his good-humour, and Billy Widgeon ducked down, doubling himself up in a silent laugh.
“Which is right, Billy, my lad,” said the boatswain good-humouredly. “He thinks if we waits for pork till I brings down a pig with a six-shooter the crackling won’t burn and the stuffing spoil.”
He thrust the weapon through the waistband of his trousers, right at the back, so as to leave his hands free, and then looked up at the captain for orders.
“We shall have to set-to and get provisions somehow, Small,” said the captain, “and begin in real earnest to-morrow, trying what we can do with the guns inland. Suppose you and Widgeon try to unlay one of the sail-ropes and make a fishing-line.”
“And about hooks?” said the major.
“Ah! that has been a puzzle,” said the captain, “that I have not solved as yet.”
“I know,” said Mark eagerly. “The ladies are sure to have some hair-pins.”
“Which we can temper in the fire and hammer into shape,” said the captain. “Think you could raise a barb at one end before we point it, major?”