“Well, my Lord, and you too, captain,” returned Ayrton, “allow a sailor who knows what a ship is worth, to compliment you on yours.”
“Stay on board of her, then, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan; “it rests with yourself to call it yours.”
“I will think of it, my Lord,” was all Ayrton’s reply.
Just then M. Olbinett came to announce dinner, and his Lordship repaired with his guests to the saloon.
“That Ayrton is an intelligent man,” said Paganel to the Major.
“Too intelligent!” muttered McNabbs, who, without any apparent reason, had taken a great dislike to the face and manners of the quartermaster.
During the dinner, Ayrton gave some interesting details about the Australian continent, which he knew perfectly. He asked how many sailors were going to accompany the expedition, and seemed astonished to hear that only two were going. He advised Glenarvan to take all his best men, and even urged him to do it, which advice, by the way, ought to have removed the Major’s suspicion.
“But,” said Glenarvan, “our journey is not dangerous, is it?”
“Not at all,” replied Ayrton, quickly.
“Well then, we’ll have all the men we can on board. Hands will be wanted to work the ship, and to help in the repairs. Besides, it is of the utmost importance that she should meet us to the very day, at whatever place may be ultimately selected. Consequently, we must not lessen her crew.”