"Sergeant Long," he began, "it is necessary that we should, without delay, ascertain the position of Victoria Island, and above all whether this wind has, as I hope, driven it near to the American continent."
"I quite agree with you, sir," replied Long, "and the sooner we find out the better"
"But it will necessitate our going down to the south of the island."
"I am ready, sir."
"I know, Sergeant, that you are always ready to do your duty, but you will not go alone. Two of us ought to go, that we may be able to let our comrades know if any land is in sight; and besides I must see for myself ... we will go together."
"When you like, Lieutenant, just when you think best."
"We will start this evening at nine o'clock, when everybody else has gone to bed"
"Yes, they would all want to come with us," said Long, "and they must not know why we go so far from the factory."
"No, they must not know," replied Hobson, "and if I can, I will keep the knowledge of our awful situation from them until the end."
"It is agreed then, sir?"