Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 2.djvu/251

 eye-witness of his death. Johnson knew the whole seafaring population of Liverpool, and set to work immediately to select his crew

He was so effectually aided by Shandon and Wall, that by the beginning of December the number was complete. But the task had not been easy; many had been attracted by the tempting pay offer, but had not courage to risk the unknown expedition, while more than one who had bravely pledged himself to go, came and retracted his word and gave back his advance note, having been dissuaded by his friends from so hazardous an undertaking. All, of course, wished to penetrate the mystery, and so pressed Shandon with questions that he was obliged to refer them to Johnson, who gave the same unvarying answers to each.

"What is it you want me to tell you, old boy?" he would say. "I know no more than you do. Anyhow, you'll be in good company, with jolly fellows who know what they're about. That's something, isn't it? So be quick and make up your mind—take it or leave it!"

Sometimes he would add, "My only difficulty is which to choose, for such high wages as you are offered you will find plenty to jump at them. Not a man among you ever heard of such pay being given before."

"Well, it certainly is a great temptation; we should get enough to live on all the rest of our days," said the sailors.

"I don't conceal from you," continued Johnson, "that the expedition will be a long one, and full of hardship and danger. That is formally told us in our instructions, so let us have a clear understanding, that each man may know what he undertakes; he commits himself, in all probability to attempt all that is, humanly speaking, possible, and perhaps even more. If you haven't a brave heart, then, and an iron constitution, or if you can't look the certainty in the face that there are twenty chances to one against your ever returning, you had better be off, and leave the berth for somebody less chicken-hearted."

"But at least tell us who the captain is," was the rejoinder.

"The captain is Richard Shandon, his friend, till he introduces you another."