The conspirators discussed the scheme at every opportunity during the day, and imparted it to the rest of the crew. Some of them suggested objections, but all of them were willing to take part in the enterprise, for they were so utterly disgusted with the course of Mr. Fluxion, that anything was preferable to submission.
"Suppose we get ashore," said Sheffield. "We shall be in Portugal, perhaps fifty miles from any large place."
"Cape Roca isn't twenty miles from Lisbon," replied Perth. "We can walk that distance in a day."
"What are you going to do in Lisbon? Not one of us can speak a word of Portuguese."
"We can do just the same as we should have done in Brest, and raise money on our letters of credit, and get to Paris. We can take a steamer back to Brest. The fare will not be more than ten dollars apiece in the fore cabin."
"Why not wait till we see where we are going?" suggested Sheffield.
"It may be too late then," answered Perth. "If Fluxion should suddenly head the vessel to the westward, that would mean home. The cook says we have fresh provisions enough for thirty days, which they took in while we were attending lecture."
"Does he know where we are bound?"
"No; or if he does, he won't say anything."
"I don't believe in landing at any such place as Lisbon, or anywhere in Portugal; though, of course, I will do what the rest of the fellows wish."