Then, while the interpreter was in the engine-room, he got into the boat and pulled ashore.
The machinists wanted to report progress, and Roy was surprised at seeing that they had already raised steam.
“They say it is all right now, except that it needs cleaning,” Manuel said after listening to one of the men a moment. “They have repaired the damage, and there is nothing to prevent your leaving by noon.”
“That is just what we will do!” Roy exclaimed, without thinking it necessary to consult his companions. “Can you get us a sailing master, engineer, and steward by that time?”
“I am certain of it,” the interpreter replied. “I had already seen two of the men, and it will not be difficult to find the third.”
“Then set about it as soon as possible. There is no reason why we should lay here a moment longer than necessary, and by starting now we can be at Key West before morning.”
“Do you need any stores?” Manuel asked.
“We have enough of everything to last us into that port. Don’t delay in getting the crew.”
As a matter of course when Manuel came on deck he failed to find the tender; but a passing craft responded to his hail, and he was set ashore within five minutes after Ned landed.
An hour later he returned with two Cubans and a negro, the latter being, according to his own account, a first-class cook.