I knew a spot where we always landed from the yacht, and there I felt positive of discovering just what we sought.
Ha! Another dark object hove in sight, but this time Robbins did not shout—one disappointment had made him shy.
It was just as well, for, while this boat was equipped with oars, it was far too small to hold the four of us.
Here Robbins and I had a very brief clash, springing from a bit of brief generosity on his part.
“Two can go—you and the lady,” he said; “even the child might squeeze in.”
“And you?” I demanded.
“I’ll take my chances farther on,” was the unabashed reply.
“I’ll see you—in Guinea first! Just gallop along; and, remember, we sink or swim together.”
Robbins was forced to give in, but he did hate to lose this chance of sending us to safety; no doubt he knew from the tone of my voice that I was accustomed to having my own way, and wouldn’t be balked.
But I never could forget the brave fellow’s genuine, disinterested generosity, though I would see him even farther than Guinea ere I would accept his sacrifice.