The love of adventure was strong within him. He would have preferred vastly to have been en route for a Central African expedition, where territory likely to be of some use was to be explored. Eventually he decided that even the chance of a Polar expedition was better than swotting at a public school, and, after all, there was the voyage out and home to be taken into consideration.
"You may be awfully keen," admitted Ranworth, "but there is another side to the question. When I chartered this vessel and picked my companions, it was with a definite object in view. I had heaps of fellows—friends of mine—offering their services, but I was forced to decline the lot. Every man on board has his particular job. Now, I'll put a blunt question: What special qualifications have each of you that can be usefully employed to further the success of this expedition?"
Leslie and Guy were silent for a few moments.
"I'm a good shot with a rifle," announced Guy.
"We're not likely to fall in with cannibals or Somalis," Ranworth reminded him.
Guy knitted his brows in perplexity. Reduced to rock-bottom level, his qualifications seemed absurdly few.
"Can you cook a meal for twenty men?"
"Might, if it came to a push, sir," replied Guy. "At any rate, I'd have a jolly good shot at it."
"A willing heart goes a long way, my lad," said Ranworth. "Now, Leslie, what are you proficient at?"
"I have a fairly practical knowledge of electric motors," replied the boy.