with the island lying ten or a dozen
miles away.

"Of course, gentlemen," said the captain, "it is for you to decide. We
are your servants, and your wish is our law."

"Well," said Sir John, "I am ready to speak apologetically to you,
Bradleigh, for you cannot feel the interest in the place that we as
naturalists do."

"Don't apologise, Sir John. Speak out and say what you feel."

"It is Doctor Instow's feeling too. We think that now we have reached
here--thanks to you--"

"Only done what you wished, sir," said the captain bluntly.

"Well then, now that we have reached a place which teems with objects of
interest, and which we have not half explored, it is a pity to leave it.
What do you say, Jack? Shall we give it up?"

"Because a pack of senseless savages come and attack us? No, it would
be cowardly," cried the lad.

"Poisoned arrows, spears, war canoes," said the doctor, with a queer
look at Jack.

"Of course they are horrible," said the lad, flushing; "but perhaps we
shall see no more of the blacks. Don't give it up, father."

"I should regret to have to do so, my boy, but mine is a very
responsible position. I feel that I have to study others. I have no
right to keep the officers and crew of this vessel where they are likely
to encounter great risks."

"For the matter of that, sir," said the captain dryly, "those who go to
sea look upon risks as a matter of course, and are rather disposed to
think you landsmen run the most; eh, Bartlett? What do you say?"

"What, about the risk of staying here? Oh, I don't see any particular
risk if we keep our eyes open, and are not sparing of the coal."

"Thank you, Mr Bartlett; but there are the men to study."

"Oh, you need not study about the men, Sir John," said the captain
bluffly. "What do you say to that, Bartlett?"

"Study them, sir, no. They like it. They thoroughly enjoy the bit of
excitement. If you put it to them you'll soon find which way they go."

"I should like to put it to them," said Sir John quietly.

"Have the lads all on deck," said the captain.

The hands were piped aft, and the captain waited for Sir John to speak,
but he remained silent and looked at his son.

"Ask the men which they would prefer to do--stay here, or sail farther
on account of the risks from the blacks."

Jack flushed a little, but he acquitted himself pretty well, and a
hurried conversation went on for a few moments, ending in Lenny being
put forward