Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/273

Rh was below when we arrived, but a hail brought him on deck. Mr. Wetherell then explained our errand, and gave him his owner's letter. He read it through, and then said:

"I am at your service, gentlemen. From what Mr. McMurtough says I gather there is no time to lose, so with your permission I'll get to work at once." "Order all the coal you want, and tell the steward to do the same for anything he may want in his department. The bills must be sent in to me." "Very good, Mr. Wetherell. And what time will you be ready?"

"As soon as you are. Can you get away by three o'clock this afternoon, think you?"

"Well, it will be a bit of a scramble, but I think we can manage it. Anyhow I'll do my best, you may be sure of that, sir."

"I'm sure you will. There is grave need for it. Now we'll go and arrange a few matters ashore. My man shall bring our baggage down later on."

"Very good, sir. I'll have your berths prepared."

With that we descended to the boat again, and we pulled ashore. Arriving there, Mr. Wetherell asked what we should do next.

"Hadn't we better go up to the town and purchase a few rifles and ammunition? We can have them sent down direct to the boat, and so save time."

"A very good suggestion. Let us go at once."

So saying, we set off for George Street—to a shop I had remembered seeing. There we purchased half a dozen Winchester repeaters, with a good supply of ammunition. These we ordered to be sent down to the yacht without fail that morning. That done, we stood on the pavement debating what we should do next.