"Now," said Jack, "we are off; we can scud along under press of sail, you know."
"I would rather not," said the doctor, "for two reasons; one of which is, I can't do it myself, and the other is, we should run the risk of injuring the picture; besides this, there is no reason for so doing."
"Very well," said Jack, "make it agreeable to yourself, doctor. See you, Jack's alive, and I am willing to do all I can to help you."
"I am very glad of your aid," said Mr. Chillingworth; "so we will proceed slowly. I shall be glad when we are there; for there are few things more awkward than this picture to carry."
"It is not heavy," said Jack, giving it a hitch up, that first pulled the doctor back, and then pushed him forward again.
"No; but stop, don't do that often, Jack, or else I shall be obliged to let go, to save myself from falling," said the doctor.
"Very sorry," said Jack; "hope it didn't inconvenience you; but I could carry this by myself."
"And so could I," returned Mr. Chillingworth; "but the probability is there would be some mischief done to it, and then we should be doing more harm than good."
"So we should," said Jack.
They proceeded along with much care and caution. It was growing late now, and no one was about—at least, they met none. People did not roam about much after dark, especially since the reports of the vampyre became current, for, notwithstanding all their bravery and violence while in a body, yet to meet and contend with him singly, and unseen, was not at all a popular notion among them; indeed, they would sooner go a mile out of their way, or remain in doors, which they usually did.