“I say whatever you say, father.”
“Ah! Poll, Poll, that sort of answer don’t help one much. However, we’ll call a council of war, and discuss the matter seriously; but, first of all, let’s see how the wind blows. How do you feel inclined, Ben Trench? Bein’ the invalid of our party, so to speak, you’re entitled, I think, to speak first.”
“I say, Go,” replied Ben.
“And I say ditto,” burst from Watty Wilkins with powerful emphasis.
“You wasn’t axed yet,” observed Bob Corkey. “Besides, stowaways have no right to speak at all.”
“What says Mr Luke!” continued the captain.
“Don’t go,” answered Mr Luke feebly.
“Now, lads,” said the captain, after putting the question to the others, “we’ll go in for the pros and cons.”
They went in for the pros and cons accordingly, and after an animated debate, resolved that the path of duty, as well as that of interest and propriety, lay in the direction of the diggings.
Having settled the matter, and gathered together into a common fund the small amount of cash and property which each had saved from the wreck, they went ashore, purchased the articles necessary for their expedition, and followed the great stream of Californian gold-diggers.