“I’m quite of Pat’s opinion,” said Arthur.
“Well, I’m not anxious to visit the ship again,” said Bart, “not even as a salvor, and I certainly would not stay aboard of her.”
“It’s too comfortable here altogether,” said Tom.
“And so say I,” said Bruce. “The fact is, boys, we’re all of one mind about the Petrel. Her glory is departed; and after that night in the mizzen-top, we don’t fancy trying any other nights.”
“Fortunately,” said Tom, “the wind has changed. It’ll be fair for the boat if she goes east.”
“But who are to go?” said Phil.
“I think,” said Bruce, “that the best way will be to draw lots. What do you say, boys?”
To this proposal they all assented. Bruce thereupon took some bits of grass, and broke them up into different lengths.
“Two of these,” said he, “are short; the rest are long. Those who draw the short ones are to go in the boat. Will that do?”
“All right.”