Part 48 (2/2)

Olbinett, who did not much care for equitation, was to make room for himself among the baggage. Horses and bullocks were grazing in the Irishman's meadows, ready to fetch at a moment's notice.

After all arrangements were made, and the carpenter set to work, John Mangles escorted the Irishman and his family back to the vessel, for Paddy wished to return the visit of Lord Glenarvan. Ayrton thought proper to go too, and about four o'clock the party came over the side of the DUNCAN.

They were received with open arms. Glenarvan would not be outstripped in politeness, and invited his visitors to stop and dine. His hospitality was willingly accepted. Paddy was quite amazed at the splendor of the saloon, and was loud in admiration of the fitting up of the cabins, and the carpets and hangings, as well as of the polished maple-wood of the upper deck. Ayrton's approbation was much less hearty, for he considered it mere costly superfluity.

But when he examined the yacht with a sailor's eye, the quartermaster of the BRITANNIA was as enthusiastic about it as Paddy. He went down into the hold, inspected the screw department and the engine-room, examining the engine thoroughly, and inquired about its power and consumption. He explored the coal-bunkers, the store-room, the powder-store, and armory, in which last he seemed to be particularly attracted by a cannon mounted on the forecastle. Glenarvan saw he had to do with a man who understood such matters, as was evident from his questions. Ayrton concluded his investigations by a survey of the masts and rigging.

”You have a fine vessel, my Lord,” he said after his curiosity was satisfied.

”A good one, and that is best,” replied Glenarvan.

”And what is her tonnage?”

”Two hundred and ten tons.”

”I don't think I am far out,” continued Ayrton, ”in judging her speed at fifteen knots. I should say she could do that easily.”

”Say seventeen,” put in John Mangles, ”and you've hit the mark.”

”Seventeen!” exclaimed the quartermaster. ”Why, not a man-of-war--not the best among them, I mean--could chase her!”

”Not one,” replied Mangles. ”The DUNCAN is a regular racing yacht, and would never let herself be beaten.”

”Even at sailing?” asked Ayrton.

”Even at sailing.”

”Well, my Lord, and you too, captain,” returned Ayrton, ”allow a sailor who knows what a s.h.i.+p is worth, to compliment you on yours.”

”Stay on board of her, then, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan; ”it rests with yourself to call it yours.”

”I will think of it, my Lord,” was all Ayrton's reply.

Just then M. Olbinett came to announce dinner, and his Lords.h.i.+p repaired with his guests to the saloon.

”That Ayrton is an intelligent man,” said Paganel to the Major.

”Too intelligent!” muttered McNabbs, who, without any apparent reason, had taken a great dislike to the face and manners of the quartermaster.

During the dinner, Ayrton gave some interesting details about the Australian continent, which he knew perfectly. He asked how many sailors were going to accompany the expedition, and seemed astonished to hear that only two were going. He advised Glenarvan to take all his best men, and even urged him to do it, which advice, by the way, ought to have removed the Major's suspicion.

”But,” said Glenarvan, ”our journey is not dangerous, is it?”

”Not at all,” replied Ayrton, quickly.

”Well then, we'll have all the men we can on board. Hands will be wanted to work the s.h.i.+p, and to help in the repairs. Besides, it is of the utmost importance that she should meet us to the very day, at whatever place may be ultimately selected. Consequently, we must not lessen her crew.”

Ayrton said nothing more, as if convinced his Lords.h.i.+p was right.

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