Chapter Twenty.
What Mark said to the Crew.
The position of the men would have been delightful if they had had a fair stock of provisions. For the cool water rippled by their boat, there was a refreshing breeze in the shady trees, and a pleasant sensation of dreamy repose and restfulness came over all as they lay about watching the dazzling sea and beautiful verdant tropic shore.
And as he gazed, Mark felt that undoubtedly fruit of some kind could be found sufficient to sustain life; and, with the determination to wait till another day, when the men would be better able to act, forgetful of the fact that fasting would make them more unfit, he thought of landing again directly after daylight, for a search, and then went to the boat and sat back to gaze out at sea.
“Mr Vandean, sir! Mr Vandean!”
“Eh? Yes! What’s the matter?”
“Nothing sir, only I couldn’t wake you up.”
“Was I asleep?”
“Yes, sir; we’ve all been asleep, more shame for me to say so, and the lads have only just woke me up.”