"Chucked up, I think. But the beast won't let us go, never fear! We and the doctor are his pet foes."
"We can try, any way. Come and see Mr. Halbrake."
The surgeon was in his cabin reading and smoking. He heard the report, and guessed the anxiety of the boys. They were most desirous to go.
"Wait until we hear the order to lower the boat," he said after a while. "Then wrap up well, and let us all go and ask the commander. Be ready, mind!"
The lads went out, dressed and made all necessary preparations for the trip, then they came into the doctor's berth again and waited, chatting at intervals, and proposing all kinds of future expeditions.
At last the anticipated order came. The three friends[!-- [Pg 58] --] went on deck, and beheld four men with Jackson ready to embark in one of the boats.
"Let us go too, please, Mr. Cordell," cried Arthur. "We want to see the stranded ship. Please let us all go."
"Oh, you all wish to go, do you? Well, perhaps it will be all the better! Go then. Look sharp, now."
None of the three noticed the tone of Cordell's reply, nor the sneer which had accompanied the permission, nor the savage light in the eyes of the commander-mate. But Jackson intervened when Mr. Cordell had spoken to him.
"Haven't you got any grub?" he asked. "Best get a snack, as in case we're delayed you won't be hungry or thirsty. Where's the guns, sir?"