“How soon shall we start?” asked a passenger.
“The sooner the better! To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant.”
This decision pleased all. Something was to be done, and hope was rekindled in the breasts of all. Heretofore they had been living on, without hope or prospect of release. Now they were to set out boldly, and though there was the possibility of failure, there was also a chance of deliverance.
No sooner was the decision made than all hands went to work to prepare for embarking.
In the appointment of passengers, Mr. Holdfast, who commanded the long boat, retained Harry, the professor and Clinton. Six sailors, including Jack Pendleton, made up the complement.
“I am glad you are going to be with us, Jack,” said Harry, joyfully. “I shouldn’t like to be separated from you.”
“Nor I from you, Harry,” returned Jack.
At eight o’clock the next morning they started. As the island faded in the distance, all looked back thoughtfully at their sometime home.
Three days the boats floated about on the bosom of the ocean—three days and nights of anxiety, during which no sail was visible. But at length a ship was sighted.
“In one way or another we must try to attract attention,” said the mate.