"And why not?" answered Paganel. "Travels develop youth. We four, then, and three sailors of the Duncan——"
"What," exclaimed Captain Mangles, "your lordship does not intercede for me?"
"My dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we shall leave the ladies on board, the dearest objects we have in the world. Who would watch over them, if not the devoted captain of the Duncan?"
"We cannot accompany you, then," said Lady Helena, whose eyes were dimmed by a mist of sadness.
"My dear wife," replied Glenarvan, "our journey will be performed with unusual rapidity, our separation will be short, and——"
The mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful fellow, and Mulready, were the fortunate ones.