There were nearly a hundred when all were on deck, and the first thing done was to distribute food and water. The next, to arrange about their being rowed on board the Nautilus, while the schooner was burned.
“And the best thing too,” said the doctor. “Faugh! the vessel’s loathsome. Nothing like fire for purifying.”
“But we have to try first if we can get her off,” said the lieutenant.
“Then all I can say is I hope you will not,” said the doctor.
“But if we get her off,” said Mark, smiling, “it means that the slaves will stay on board here.”
“Eh? Does it? Oh, well then, I hope you will,” cried the doctor. “Now, Russell, have me rowed back. That fellow’s badly wounded, but he’ll soon get well.”