This conversation went on, every one speaking at once; but no one being able to think of any plausible message to send to Captain Corbet which should be true, and at the same time not disclose the actual facts. At last they concluded that it was impossible to make up such a message; and as the time was passing, they determined to send for him at all hazards.
But who would go?
Pat at once offered, much to the relief of all the others, who wanted to be on the spot when Captain Corbet arrived. Pat, however, was very good-natured, and didn’t at all mind the long walk, but promised to be back in an hour, along with Captain Corbet.
“Don’t tell him about the schooner, unless you have to,” said Bruce.
“Sure an what’ll I tell him, thin?”
“O, tell him anything at all, so long as it’s the truth, and no humbug, you know. Just tell him in a general way something or other.”
“Somethin or other in a gineral way?” repeated Pat.
“Yes, something that’ll make him come down, you know; and don’t tell him about the schooner, unless you have to.”
“Deed, thin, an I won’t. I’ll tell him somethin in gineral, an nothin in particular.”
“But no humbug, you know.”