"Yes," said the mate, "and I think instead of attempting to build
another it would be wiser to half-deck over our two best boats and store
them ready. I can't help feeling that it will be safer, and that if we
try to save too much we may lose all."

This was finally settled, and a crew selected for the lugger under one
or other of the passengers, each taking the command for a week.

This went on for a month, when one day the mate said,--

"Look here, gentlemen, I want a holiday. I've worked pretty hard, and I
think it's my turn to go on the new expedition. What do you say?"

"It is only just," they chorussed.

"Then I propose taking the lugger and sailing round the island--as we
believe it to be--and then I shall learn something about the prowess of
our new craft and see how she can sail."

"That's quite right, Mr Rimmer," said Panton. "Eh, Lane?"

"Of course; we have been horribly selfish in letting him keep on at work
for us while we have been taking our pleasure."

"Which again was work, gentlemen, work," replied the mate,
good-humouredly. "But all the same, my dear fellows, there will not be
much pleasure in this trip. I want to see whether our craft is
seaworthy before we are compelled to take to her in real earnest. It
would be rather awkward if she began to open her seams as soon as any
strain was put upon her by the sails and a heavy sea. Believe me, I
would not go if I didn't think it right."

"My dear Mr Rimmer," said Oliver, "do you think we do not know that?"

"But it's like leaving you all in the lurch."

"Nonsense," cried Panton; "we shall be all right. How long will you be
gone?"

"I can't say. Two or three days. Perhaps altogether."

"Eh?" cried Drew, in dismay.

"The _Little Planet_ may prove untrustworthy, and take me to the bottom,
gentlemen," said the mate, calmly. "Who knows?"

"Suppose we don't make the worst of it," said Oliver. "We know what a
sailor you are."

"Well, I grant that I am, gentlemen, and ought to be," replied the mate.
"I was brought up to the sea, but I never tried my hand at
ship-building before."

"Never mind, you've done wonders," cried Panton. "When shall you
start?"

"To-morrow, about mid-day. That will give me time to make a few
preparations. Let's see, I must have some fighting tools and powder."

"Of course. How many men will you take with you?"

"Three. That will be enough to manage the sails. I shall take the
helm. You, gentlem