Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/111

Rh "Oh! I would agree to that, willingly," said Brian! "Donagan is not a bad-hearted fellow. He is brave, he is clever, and were it not for his envious character he would be a capital companion. Besides, he will gradually reform when he sees that I really do not wish to push myself forward before anyone; and we shall end, I am sure, in being the best friends in the world. But I was thinking of quite another travelling-companion — "

"Who is that?"

"My brother Jack," said Briant. "I get more and more anxious about him. Evidently he has done something wrong which he will not tell us. Perhaps if he finds himself alone with me on this expedition — "

"That is so, Briant Take Jack and begin your preparations at once."

"They will not take long," answered Briant. "We shall not be away more than two or three days."

When the others heard the news of the projected expedition, Donagan was very vexed at not being allowed to take part in it, and went to Gordon, who explained that only three boys were wanted to do what was to be done, that the idea was Briant's, whose business it was to see it through, etc.

When Moko heard that he was going to change his employment as master-cook for that of master-mariner, he made no secret of his joy. To go with Briant was an additional pleasure. The new cook would naturally be Service, who revelled in the idea that he would be able to roast and stew as he liked without any one to overlook him. And Jack seemed not at all unhappy at having to leave French Den for a day or two with his brother.

The yawl was got ready. She was rigged with a little lateen sail, which Moko bent and furled. Two guns, three revolvers, ammunition in sufficient quantity, three travelling wraps, provisions, waterproof capes in case of rain, two oars with a pair to spare; such was the outfit required for the short trip — without forgetting