Part 100 (1/2)
”That I venture to think that it would be the wisest plan in any case, sir.”
”No, not in any case, Mr Murray. You see, our position is a very serious one.”
”I don't think the men think so, sir.”
”Eh? Do you think that they take a rosy view of it?”
”I'm sure they do, sir.”
”Humph! Well, I mustn't damp them till the last extremity.”
”But surely, sir--” began Murray.
”I surely see that you do not know what I know, Mr Murray.”
”I suppose not, sir,” said the lad.
”But I do not see why you as a youth growing into manhood, and who are sharing with me the responsibilities of this position, should not know everything.”
”I think I do know everything, sir,” said Murray, smiling, ”and see fully how precarious our position is.”
”Indeed, Mr Murray?” said the lieutenant sadly.
”Yes, sir; I think I see all, and it makes me feel very proud to know how brave and contented the men are, poor fellows! If I were in command, sir, I should be delighted to see the confidence the men have in their leader.”
”Hah! Yes, my dear boy,” said the lieutenant, smiling more sadly than before. ”Well, I think that perhaps I shall tell you all.”
”All, sir? Is there a graver peril than I know of?”
”Yes, my lad, and I think that you ought to know--that is, if you would rather share my knowledge than remain in ignorance.”
”I would rather share the knowledge, sir, and try to help you,” said the lad firmly.
”Good! Then you shall; Mr Murray, we have a strong little fort here, and provisions enough to last us a month.”
”Yes, sir.”
”But we shall be driven to cut our way somehow to the sloop.”
”Why not attack one of the schooners, sir--board her--for there are evidently more than one.”
”Because we want the sinews of war, Mr Murray.”
”Money, sir?” cried Murray.
”Tchah! Nonsense! Powder, my boy--powder.”
”Why, sir, I thought--” began Murray.