"They are furling the sails; nothing more as yet," I answered.
"Will they endeavour to lift the leak out of water to-night?"
"Dearest, I am waiting to see what they mean to do."
"I will ask Vanderdecken," said she, "he always answers my questions."
I seized her hand. "No! He may suspect I sent you. Let us walk carelessly here and there. Lurking in the shadow might give an air of conspiracy to the prattle of infants to the suspicions of such a mind as his."
We moved towards the taffrail—the helm was lashed and abandoned—and then quietly to and fro, speaking under our breath.
"Geoffrey, we may find no water to drink when we get on shore; have you provided for that?" she said.
I started. I had thought of all things, as I fancied; yet I had overlooked the most essential of our certain needs.
"No, I have not provided for that," I exclaimed. "How now to manage?"
"I thought of it just now in my cabin. There is a pitcher there and the sight of it put it into my head to ask if you had included water in your stock of provisions. It holds about two gallons. It has a narrow neck and may be easily corked. But how can we convey it ashore. My weight and the bags and it would sink a bigger frame than the one that is to float me."