“It seems to me,” said Sir Humphrey, smiling, “that Briscoe’s motion is carried unanimously. As to starting, we might take a boat and begin exploring at once, making day excursions. The longer ones would depend upon how soon Captain Banes could get the longboat ready.”
“By to-morrow morning would do for me, sir,” said the captain bluffly.
“But you would not be able to fix up the boat in such a short time.”
“There’s really nothing to do, sir. There’s a hole in the thwart fore and aft for a short upright to carry the spar the length of the boat, and we’d make that do for mast as well. Dellow could soon cut us up a bit of canvas that would do for sail and extra cover to rig up o’ nights. You’d better have the stern covered in with a regular awning. We’ll be ready for you by daylight, gentlemen.”
“That will be capital. Can you let us have one of the other boats, so that we can row up towards the falls at once?” said Brace.
“You can sail, squire, and save the men’s arms in the hot sun. Plenty of wind for that.”
“Capital,” said Brace. “You might come with us, Free.”
“No,” said his brother; “I had better wait a few days longer before I begin.”
“What will you occupy yourself with whilst we are away?” asked Brace.
“Oh, I shall find something to do. I’ll stop and help Captain Banes, and see to the stores for tomorrow’s expedition.”