When the amateur crew had grown very impatient at his non-arrival, he appeared; but only to inform them that he had just received a telegraphic despatch from New York, which would compel him to start for that city in the afternoon.
"Now, boys, what is to be done?" asked he. "Will you postpone the trip for a week?"
"I suppose we must," replied Henry; but the faces of the whole crew were wofully elongated.
"I must give it up altogether, then," added Paul, bitterly disappointed; and John was ready to howl at the idea of not going.
"I will see what can be done," continued Captain Littleton, as he called Captain Gordon.
For a few moments they were engaged in earnest conversation together, and the boys waited with anxious interest for the result of the conference.
"Captain Gordon thinks he can take care of you, and I have concluded to let you go without me."
"Hurrah!" shouted several of the boys.
"But, boys, I must put you on honor to behave well during the cruise. Will you do it?"