Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/110

 which Baudoin did not have, and who knows if we might not see land that he could not? His map makes Charman Island a solitary one, and it may not be so."

"Always the same idea,"' said Gordon; "and you are miserable at not getting away!"

"Yes, and at heart, I am sure you feel the same as I do. Ought we not to do all we can to get home again as soon as possible?"

"Well," said Gordon, "we will organize an expedition."

"An expedition in which we can all take part?"

"No. It seems to me that six or seven of us — "

"That would be too many. If they are so numerous they would only be able to get round the lake at the north or south, and who knows what difficulties they might meet with."

"What then do you propose?"

"I propose to cross the lake in the yawl, and, to do that, only two or three need go."

"And who will have charge of the yawl?"

"Moko," said Briant. "He knows how to manage a boat, and I understand a little about it. With the sail, if the wind is fair, and with the two oars, if it is against us, we might easily manage the five or six miles across the lake and reach the watercourse, which, according to the map, runs through the eastern forest; and we could go down that to its mouth."

"Agreed. I approve of your idea. But who will go with Moko?"

"I will, for I did not take part in the expedition to the north of the lake. It is my turn to be of use."

"To be of use!" said Gordon. "Have you not been of great use? Have you not done more than any of the others?"

"Well, we have all done our duty," said Briant. "So it is agreed then?"

"Yes, it is agreed. But who is to go with you ? I should not propose Donagan, for you do not get on well together."