Page:Barbour--Lost island.djvu/307

 however, was a somewhat delicate one, for their funds were not in a flourishing condition, and all the money they possessed would be needed for provisions, unless they were to run the risk of starving to death out of sight of land.

"We want to make a little trip on the water, sir," said Tempest, "and we thought perhaps you might loan your boat to us, for a consideration."

Cresswell glared from one to the other.

"And who told you I'd lend it?" he asked acidly.

"Nobody," replied Tempest. "But we need it rather badly, and as you were n't using it just now we thought you perhaps might—" "What are you doing on the island, anyway?" interrupted Cresswell. "You don't live here. We get too many strangers prowling about these days."

"We 're waiting for a steamer to take us off, sir," said Tempest in his most affable tones. "Now, about the boat. She's just getting ruined