“Dat I’shman, sah? He am jes’ outside, sah,” replied the coon, with a duck of the head.
“Call him in. I want to see both of you.”
“All right, sah.”
A moment later a shock-headed native of the Emerald Isle appeared with the darky. These two men were Frank Reade, Jr.’s most faithful colleagues and companions in many a wonderful voyage.
“Wud yez loike to see me, sor?” asked Barney, with a scrape.
“I want to ask you if you have put the supplies aboard the Scorcher yet?”
Both bowed.
“Shure an’ we have, sor.”
“It am all ready, Marse Frank.”
“Good enough,” said Frank, in a pleased tone. “I have news for you. Mr. Randall and his friend have told me of a wonderful country beyond the Antarctic Circle which I think of paying a visit to. In that case it will not be long before we shall leave Readestown upon a new and wonderful voyage.”