Chapter XIV. The Wreck of the Nantucket - Page 2

"Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?" asked that young gentleman, nervously.

"We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be willing to fight."

After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not appear to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a grateful shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had begun to make its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself over all.

"I move we squat here a while," said Mr. Stubbs.

"Very well," said the mate. "We have all day before us, and I am afraid a great many more to come, in which we may explore the island."

All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.

They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff, ate heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship. They had brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on their homeward walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing drink.

"This seems a great deal like a picnic," said Harry, as they sat down on the grass with the food in the center.

"I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for," remarked the professor.

When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that name, Mr. Holdfast said:

"I think we had better make another trip to the ship, and bring back what we can. We shall need a further supply of provisions, and there will be other things that will occur to us as likely to be needed."

"May I go with you, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Harry.

"Yes," answered the mate; "I will take you and Jack, and Mr. Stubbs, too, may come, if he will."

"I am quite at your command, captain," said the Yankee.

Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He and Jack clambered up the ship's sides, and chased each other in boyish fun. Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who had a sympathy with the young. He would not have dared to take such liberties with Captain Hill.

"How long do you think the ship will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Stubbs.

"For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her against the reef with violence."

"At present she seems motionless."

"Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day when she goes to pieces," continued the mate, gravely.

"Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance of our making any use of her, I take it."

"You don't quite understand me," said Holdfast. "A sailor gets to feel an attachment for the