“But we must take some provisions,” Jenny said. “Who can tell whether we shall not be away longer than we think?”
“Besides,” Fritz added, “have we any idea where we are going?”
“Outside,” the boatswain replied.
The simple word, so exactly expressing the general sentiment, answered everything.
But Captain Gould insisted that they should have breakfast first, also that they should take provisions for several days with them, in case they should be delayed.
Breakfast was hurried through. After four months passed in this bay, they were naturally in a hurry to find out whether their situation had improved, perhaps even changed entirely.
Besides, there would still be time to come back, if the upper plateau proved to be as barren as the shore, if it were unsuitable for a settlement, if from the extreme summit no other land were to be seen in the proximity. If the castaways from the Flag found they had landed on an island or islet, they would return to the cave and make their arrangements to meet the winter there.
Directly the meal was finished the men took the bundles of provisions. The first cave was left, and, with the albatross walking beside Jenny, all went through the mouth of the passage.
When they came to the mouth of the gorge, Fritz and Frank went through first. After them came Jenny, Dolly, and Susan, holding little Bob’s hand.
Captain Gould and James came next, and John Block closed the rear.