Plumb south our course
lies, for the present. I'll tell you why, later. You have a sail?"
"'Ay, sir,' answered Grimalson.
"'Right. But don't hoist it unless I signal. . . . Yes, yes, not a
draught at present. But if a breeze should get up, don't hoist sail
without instructions. We keep together--that's the main point.
Just pull along easy--I'll set the pace--and keep in my wake, course
due south. Those that aren't pulling will act wise to trust in God
and get some sleep. . . . Is that Doctor Foe there forra'd, with the
lantern?'
"'Ay, sir,' I answered up.
"'Then as soon as you've fixed it, sir, I'll ask you to jump aboard
and along with us for to-night. I've poor Jock Abercrombie here--
fetched him and Swainson out of No. 1 boat'--These were the two
injured men: Abercrombie, our Chief Engineer, by far the worst
burnt--'I doubt if he'll last till morning: but we've been friends
from boys, Jock and me, and if you can do aught, sir, to make his
passing easier--'
"I asked him to wait while I fetched my medicine-chest, and was
transhipped with it into the captain's boat.
Pages:
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335