“Nevertheless Captain Hill,” he said, “I stand by what I have said.”
“Mr. Holdfast,” said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed to speak for the passengers, “if some of us decide to remain on the ship, will you remain with us?”
“I will!” answered the mate, promptly.
“Then set me down as the first to remain,” said Stubbs.
Somehow this man, rough and abrupt as he was, had impressed Harry as a man in whom confidence might be reposed. He felt safe in following where he led.
“I am but a boy,” he said, “but I have to decide for my life. I shall remain with the mate and Mr. Stubbs.”
Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry.
“I am glad to have you with us,” he said earnestly. “We will die or live together.”
Next came Professor Hemenway.
“Put me down as the third,” he said. “Harry, we sailed together, and we will remain together to the end.”