Bill and his companions at once set to work. A cask of beef, another of pork, and three of flour were found, besides several articles—among the most valuable was the carpenter’s tool chest, and a quantity of iron. These were at once lowered into the boat. A number of sails were also got up, and thus laden they returned in her to the shore.
Another trip only could be made that night, when more hands were taken off to assist in the work.
The various articles brought from the wreck greatly raised the spirits of the party. The sails, stretched on poles they had cut, made comfortable tents, and they had now food in abundance.
“I wish those mutinous chaps had not been such fools,” observed Windy. “I wonder what has become of them.”
On inquiries being made, it was found that the mutineers, headed by Job Mawson, had been seen making their way across the country in the direction of the settlement.
“I hope they will not have gone to annoy the people there,” observed the boatswain. “The men are often away hunting or fishing, and only the ladies and a few other women and children are left at the huts.”
“They are not likely to get there before Mr Shafto, at all events,” said the captain. “We need not trouble ourselves about them.”
Still Bill Windy was not quite comfortable in his mind. Three or four of the crew were great scoundrels, and several of the emigrants were ruffianly fellows, ready to engage in any sort of mischief.
The captain and his mates, with Mr Bollard, sat up for several hours arranging the plan of the vessel, which they proposed commencing as soon as the timber could be got from the wreck. By daybreak they commenced repairing the boat, and she being put to rights, they were able to proceed more rapidly in getting the stores and provisions on shore. A raft was also formed to facilitate the operation.
So hard did they work—the weather still continuing favourable—that before many days had passed the keel of the “Young Crusader” was laid, the old ship disappearing by the efforts of those who a short time before were so anxious for her preservation.