“Well,” said Lance, slowly, as he first began to perceive the direction in which Johnson’s thoughts were tending. “I am by no means sure that I could. However,” as a brilliant idea dawned upon him, “I am certain that, with the experience I have gained since I designed the Fleetwing, I could build one which should excel her in all respects.”
“Waal now, this is what I call a real pleasant conversation,” exclaimed Johnson, with enthusiasm. “Now, see here, colonel, I guess I’ll get you to draw out that design right away.”
“I am sure I shall be very pleased,” said Lance. “But why do you wish for such a thing? You will surely not venture, after what you have already told us, to visit a civilised port and order a vessel to be built?”
“I guess not, stranger. I’ve three prizes lyin’ in harbour not far off, which I kept, thinkin’ they might come in useful some day; and we’ll break ’em up to build this new craft. You shall superintend the work; and, as you’re an engineer, I reckon I’ll get you to fortify the harbour also, so’s to make things secure in case one of them frigates you was talking about should come along and take a fancy to look inside.”
“Very well,” said Lance; “I will do what I can, both in the matter of fortifying the harbour and building the new craft, upon the express condition, however, you must understand, that we are all treated well as long as we remain with you; and that you will make an early opportunity to free us as soon as the work is done.”
“Don’t you be afraid, stranger,” returned Johnson. “You do the best you can for me, and I guess I’ll do the right thing by you. That’s a bargain.”
“There is just one point which occurs to me,” remarked Lance. “It is this. To do what you propose we shall require a great deal of assistance. Now where are we to find it?”
“If it’s men you mean, I reckon you’ll find plenty of ’em at Albatross Island. Men ain’t always to be picked up at sea just when they’re wanted,” said Johnson, “so I’ve took to keepin’ my prisoners alive and landing ’em there, so’s I can draw upon ’em when I want to; and I’ve found that if they won’t cut in and take a hand with us exactly to oncet they gen’lly will a little later on, just to escape bein’ worked to death ashore.”
“And what about materials?” persisted Lance. “To construct a battery, and to make it serviceable, you know, stone, lime, iron and wood in considerable quantities are required; to say nothing of guns, powder and shot with which to arm the battery when it is finished.”
“We’ve got it all,” exclaimed Johnson; “all, that is, exceptin’ iron, and that we’re very short of. There’s stone in the island, and I guess you can make lime from the coral, can’t you? And as to the guns and ammunition, why it’s only three months ago that we helped ourselves to a whole battery-full belonging to the Spaniards away there on the mainland.”