“But it certainly takes away one’s appetite.”
“Yes, that’s a consideration. What would become of us if our appetites were left?”
As they spoke, Mr. Long drew near. They were within a stone’s throw of the cliff, and were drifting slowly by. He looked up at the summit, as it. towered far above him, and then ran his eye along the black, tempest-torn sides.
“Boys,” said he, with a smile, “you’re right. Blomidon feels his majesty to be slighted. He’s avenging himself on us. He’ll keep us here till he gets a victim, or at least till some apology is made. Now, I’m going to appease his sullen majesty.”
“How’s that, sir?”
“By offering up a victim. And who do you think it will be? It will be—myself.”
“You, sir!”
“Yes. I’m going to land.”
“To land!”
“Yes. One of you can take me ashore, and leave me. I know the place well enough, and will walk to the nearest village. I can get a horse easily enough, and be home before sundown.”