“Really, I couldn’t stand sailing in a little boat, you know.”
“That’s settled, then!” said the captain. “Into the boats with you!”
The sailors and two passengers lowered themselves into the long boat, which was large enough to receive them all, till only Jack Pendleton and the captain remained.
“Get in, boy!” said the captain, harshly.
Jack stepped back, and said, manfully: “I will remain on board the ship, sir.”
While this discussion had been going on, the boat was being stored with kegs of water and provisions, and soon after the sailors began to ply the oars.
The little band that remained looked silently and solemnly, as they saw their late companions borne farther and farther away from them on the crested waves.
“It’s a question which will last longer, the ship or the boat,” said Mr. Holdfast.
“We must work—I know that,” said Mr. Stubbs. “Captain Holdfast, I salute you as my commander. Give us your orders.”
“Are you all agreed, gentlemen?” asked Holdfast.