"But look here," said Gordon; "we must first make a list of what there is on board. We have other things to think of besides what there is to eat."
"You can go and get a few oysters for lunch," said Service.
"Ah! that I'll do," said Gordon. "Off you go in twos and threes; and, Moko, you go with them."
The negro could be trusted. He was willing, clever, and plucky, and would probably be of great use. He was particularly attached to Briant, who did not conceal his liking for him.
"Come on!" said Jenkins.
"Are you not going with them, Jack?" asked Briant. Jack replied in the negative.
Jenkins, Dole, Costar, and Iverson then went off in charge of Moko, and scrambled up on to the reef which the sea had just left dry. In the cracks and crannies they might perchance come across many mollusks, mussels, clams, and even oysters, which, either raw or cooked, would form a welcome reinforcement. Away they went running and jumping, and evidently looking on the expedition as one of pleasure rather than work; at their age they remembered little of the trials they had passed through, and thought less of the dangers to come.
As soon as they had gone the elder boys began their search on the yacht. Donagan, Cross, Wilcox, and Webb devoted themselves to the weapons, ammunition, clothes, bedding, tools, and utensils, while Briant, Garnett, Baxter, and Service took stock of the drinkables. As each article was called out Gordon entered it in his note-book.
It was found that the yacht had a complete set of spare sails and rigging of all sorts, cordage, cables, hawsers, &c, and if she could have been got afloat again could have been completely refitted. But these best quality sails and new cordage would never again be used on the sea; they would come in useful in other ways. A few fishing appliances, hand-lines, and deep-
