“We have no time to do that,” answered Owen; “but we want you to come and help us secure a number of articles we have found.”
“Have you got any spirits or beer?” asked the men.
“No,” said Owen; “but we have found some casks of water, which are of far more value.”
This remark created a further laugh, and all united in inviting Mike to join them.
“Do not you be persuaded,” said Owen. “In a short time, when the liquor is gone, they will be sorry that they exhausted it so soon.”
The mate had not spoken, indeed he lay on the ground inside the tent in a worse condition than the men.
“It will be impossible to remain with these people,” said Owen. “I propose, therefore, that we go to some distance, out of their sight, and make a tent for ourselves. We shall find sufficient materials from the bales of cotton cloth which have been washed up.”
Mike and Nat agreed. “But, shure, they’ve got the iron kettle, and how are we to cook our mate without that?” exclaimed Mike.
“We must roast our meat, and make use of shells for cups,” answered Owen; “anything would be better than remaining with them.”
When the men saw that the two lads and Mike were going away, they shouted after them to stop, but finding that they were resolute, began to abuse them, Mike coming in for the largest share of vituperation. This made his temper rise.