“I’m not going for any such purpose,” interposed the boatswain. “I shouldn’t take all that trouble on your account.”
“But where are you going?”
“That’s my affair, my lad.”
“We don’t mean to give you any trouble on our account,” said Sanford, who could not readily dispossess himself of the belief that the expedition was to put his party on board of the ship when she hove in sight.
“Of course you don’t, my tender lambs. You have been so anxious to find the ship, and get on board, it would be cruel to suspect you of any mischief,” laughed Peaks.
“But, honor bright, Mr. Peaks, whatever we intended, we are ready now to do just what you say, and return to the ship as soon as we can.”
“You are all nice boys. You have had a good time, and I think you ought to be satisfied.”
“We are satisfied; but I suppose we shall have no liberty again, after we go on board.”
“Perhaps you will; the principal isn’t hard with the boys when they come right square up to the mark; but you can’t humbug him.”
“But, honestly, Mr. Peaks, we tried to find the ship, and—”