“Oh, I don’t know.”

“But I do. Think of the work of getting those guns and things up to the top.”

“But I thought the party who were going to stay would do that?”

“Of course: that’s it. The barge is coming back on board as soon as she has landed her stores, and the second cutter to-night.”

“Well, then you’ll only have all day.”

“Nonsense; I’m going to stop.”

“Oh! You’re as lucky as Terry.”

“Yes, but I wish he was coming back. Not a pleasant messmate to have ashore with me. I’m sure you wouldn’t like to be along with him.”

“Perhaps not; but I did want to come, for I know so much about the rock.—Oh! I did want to go.”

“Better stop on board, lad. I dare say we shall have a good deal of trouble with the men, though they do like Mr Dallas.”