The first thing that the Captain did was to
order the Chinamen to take what was left of the sails and build
themselves tents; then he gave his attention to the question of the
water supply.
"We must cross to the main land and get some drinking water," he said,
"for we have only one cask left."
"Just enough to last the big boat on its trip to Australia," whispered
Redfox to the Captain. "You and I and Gray, and a couple of the
strongest of the young fellows will attempt the journey. Let Green and
the boys stay here with the Chinamen until we bring help. Our plans
will come out all right after all. The half million for which the ship
is insured will be ours--and we shall be able to take it with a clear
conscience, too."
"No, Redfox, enough of your machinations. I have resolved to turn over
a new leaf, and to do good hereafter, that is, if there is any good
left in me. We must fix up these people the best that we can with the
wreckage of the ship, build a fort for them yonder on that little
brook, and give them arms and provisions, then we will cast lots as to
who is to go in the open boat to the nearest Australian port.
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