“Now, we haven’t a minute to spare. Each hour will find us weaker. The weather, too, is clear, and the rock fairly dry, but wind and rain, or fog, would prove our worst enemies. There is plenty of cordage down below. I’ll gather all within reach. It may prove useful.”
He seemed to have no more to say, and was stooping to begin the descent when Sturgess grabbed him by the shoulder.
“Wait a second, commodore!” he cried. “You’ve got your job cut out, and I’ll obey orders and keep a close tongue, you bet; but when it comes to collecting rope lengths, that is my particular stunt, as I sell hemp, among other things. You just rest up a while.”
Maseden nodded, and made way for a willing deputy. It was only fit and proper that he, too, should conserve his energies.
“‘Bound the corner to
