At this, the Englishman made a peculiar request.
“I wish you wouldn’t take it apart for a little while.”
“Then it isn’t convenient to sail to-night?” said Andy. “But, just as you like.”
It had been agreed that the schooner was to set sail for distant Andros as soon as the moon rose.
“Yes,” answered the man slowly. “But I’ve been thinking of something. I can’t quite make up my mind—I’d like to talk to you about it after a bit. Then we’ll go as we’ve arranged, if you like.”
“Oh, it isn’t that,” exclaimed the boy. “Nothing would please me more than to stay here always. But you can see how it is—they’ll all be worried. I’ve got to get to the telegraph as soon as possible and wire them I’m not lost in the sea.”
“I understand,” answered Captain Bassett. “It was thoughtless of me to ask it. Go ahead. We’ll leave with the moon.”
But instead of going ahead, the boy walked to his new-found friend’s side.
“What was it?” he asked curiously.