“And I’ve been thinking,” said Davie, “about our dear old home at Fisherton. What a long, long time it seems since we left!”
“Oh,” said Barclay, “I haven’t forgotten my mother and Phœbe, and the letters we got at the Cape telling us how well they were gave me such joy.
“But ah!” he added, “if we are detained long here they may give up hope, and the grief may kill my dear, kind mother.”
“I’ve been thinking,” said Archie, “about my log-book, and how little there will be to put in it.”
“My dear mate,” interrupted Antonio, “there will be far more than you imagine. It won’t be merely the temperature of water and air, the wind, the current, and all that, for I’ve been thinking about adventures that will make your hair stand up like bristles.”
“I’ve been thinking,” said Teenie, “about fishes to catch for Muffie and me.”
Well, presently Pandoo himself appeared with the supper, and after this every one was of better cheer, and far more hopeful.
But nearly all the talk to-night was about their far-off friends and homes in Merrie England.
There had been letters at the Cape of Good Hope for all the saloon and petty officers, to say nothing of the men.