"That's for you to answer," I rejoined.
"Well, I'm not for standin' too close in shore," said Fish.
"How fur off do you say is this here Florida coast?" asked Johnson.
"About sixty miles. Look at the chart."
"And every minute brings us nearer," said a man.
"That's true," I replied. "But you don't want to leave the ship before dusk, do you?"
The men looked at each other as though they were not sure that they ought to confide so much to me as an answer to my question would involve. I particularly took notice of this, and felt how thoroughly I was put aside by them in their intentions.
The carpenter said, "You'll understand our arrangements by-and-by, Mr. Royle. How's the wind?"
"About north," said I.
"Mates, shall we bring the yards to the masts and keep the leeches liftin' till we're ready to stop her?"