As
they were going away one of them said, "Come, Ready, there's no time to
lose."
"Never mind me, Williams; I shall stick to the ship," replied Ready. "I
wish you success with all my heart; and, Mr. Mackintosh, I have but one
promise to exact from you, and I hope you will not refuse me: which is,
that if you are saved, you will not forget those you leave here on
board, and take measures for their being searched for among the
islands."
"Nonsense, Ready! come into the boat," replied the first mate.
"I shall stay here, Mr. Mackintosh; and I only beg that you will
promise me what I ask. Acquaint Mr. Seagrave's friends with what has
happened, and where it is most likely we may be found, if it please God
to save us. Do you promise me that?"
"Yes, I do, if you are determined to stay; but," continued he, going up
to Ready, and whispering to him, "it is madness:- come away, man!"
"Good-bye, Mr. Mackintosh," replied Ready, extending his hand. "You
will keep your promise?"
After much further expostulation on the part of Mackintosh and the
seamen, to which Ready gave a deaf ear, the boat was pushed off, and
they made sail to the north-east.
Chapter VII
For some time after the boat had shoved off from the ship, old Ready
remained with his arms folded, watching it in silence.
Pages:
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59