"Why?" asked Reginald. "What's the matter?"
"There ain't nothin' the matter," replied the cockswain, looking at the men. "Still, if you're determined, and as I have orders not to stay by the wreck, suppose I report, and come back for you later? There's grub and guns, a rifle, and plenty of daylight for weeks yet, so——"
"All right!" cried Arthur; "hand us up."
[!-- [Pg 60] --]The three adventurers climbed up the side of the vessel, and then the beef in tins, the keg, the guns, rifle, and ammunition followed.
"I suppose it is all right?" asked the doctor, as the men prepared to go back. "You will return?"
"Oh, we'll come back," laughed the stroke oarsman, an ugly-looking customer. "You're all right!"
"I'd rather you'd pull in with us," said Jackson, "I would indeed. I can't wait. Here take this, sir."
"Nonsense!" cried Arthur. "This is real right down Robinson Crusoe business! Don't hurry back. Ta, ta! What did he give you, doctor?"
The cockswain waved his hand in farewell. The men gave way, and the boat quickly left the derelict and gradually was hidden in the still gathering mist, for the breeze was "northing."
Mr. Halbrake made no answer to Arthur's question. He was watching the boat. Then perceiving that the man had handed him some tobacco, he put it in his pocket, having already sufficient for present use. The lads had meantime left him, and he went aft to join them, but he suddenly became conscious of the insecurity of their position—and future!