“Only because I’m glad you see fully what we’ve got to do, sir, and are ready to do it.”
“But we must husband our stores,” said Bourne.
“Of course, sir,” said Griggs, with his eyes twinkling. “We will, as long as they’ll stop to be husbanded; but they’ll shrink away to nothing at last, and we must look forward to the time when all the extras’ll be gone and we shall have to live on meat and water.”
“Rather starvation rations, Griggs,” said Wilton, while the boys stared at one another.
“Oh no, sir. I’ve been through it, and it isn’t half bad. You soon get used to it, and then you find out what roast meat and cold water really are—about the most delicious eating and drinking in the world. Your appetite’s splendid; you can sleep like a top; and as to what you can do, it’s wonderful. You never seem to be tired.”
“Then you don’t feel any apprehension about our having to give up for want of supplies?”
“Not a bit, sir, as long as the powder and shot last. When they’re done the sooner we make for civilisation the better.”
“Yes,” said the doctor thoughtfully. “You must be right, Griggs.”
“Yes, sir, I am right,” said Griggs, without a shadow of brag in his way of speaking. “I wouldn’t speak out as I do if I hadn’t proved it.”
“How long did you lead such a life as that?” asked Chris.