“Well, we can sew two or three of them together. They’re good, strong sheets, and they’ll do very well for the boat. As for a mast, why, we can find a very good one here in the woods in five minutes.” “But what direction should we take?” “Well, that’s a question that requires a good deal of careful consideration.” “My opinion is,” said Tom, “that it is by far the best to sail east. If we sail west, we could scarce hope to meet with any one till we got to the Bay of Islands; and we’d have to double Cape Bay,--which is altogether too dangerous a thing for a little boat like this. But if we go east, we’ll have more chances of shelter in case of storms, and we’ll be sure to reach some sort of settlement, either St. Pierre or some fishing stations on the main land, or in Fortune’s Bay.” “East, then, is the course,” said Bart. “And now, who of us shall go? We’d better not all go.” “Well, no; I suppose not.” “Of course not,” said Bruce. “The boat isn’t large enough. Two will be plenty. The rest of us can stay here.” “If the boat goes,” said Arthur, “those of us who stay behind won’t be able to go on board the ship.’ Shall we stay aboard or ashore?” “For my part,” said Pat, “I won’t put a fut aboard that ship again as long as I live.” “I’ll stay here, or else go in the boat,” said Phil. “I’m ready to do either.” “I’m quite of Pat’s opinion,” said Arthur. “Well, I’m not anxious to visit the ship again,” said Bart, “not even as a salvor, and I certainly would not stay aboard of her.” “It’s too comfortable here altogether,” said Tom. “And so say I,” said Bruce. “The fact is, boys, we’re all of one mind about the Petrel. Her glory is departed; and after that night in the mizzen-top, we don’t fancy trying any other nights.” “Fortunately,” said Tom, “the wind has changed. It’ll be fair for the boat if she goes east.” “But who are to go?” said Phil. “I think,” said Bruce, “that the best way will be to draw lots. What do you say, boys?” To this proposal they all assented. Bruce thereupon took some bits of grass, and broke them up into different lengths. “Two of these,” said he, “are short; the rest are long. Those who draw the short ones are to go in the boat. Will that do?” “All right.” Upon this Bruce put the pieces of grass in his hat, stirred them about; and then laid the hat in the midst. Each one then shut his eyes and took a piece of grass from the hat. Then they all held them forth. And it was seen that the two shortest pieces had been drawn by Arthur and Tom. Upon this every one of the other boys offered to exchange places with either one of these, and go in his stead. But Arthur and Tom were both firm in their refusal. “What are you going to take with you?” asked Bart. “Well,” said Arthur, “first of all, we’ll need to have a sail. I think we’d better make a raid on the Petrel at once, and hunt up some sheets. Tom and I will go, and you fellows might find a couple of sticks that’ll do for the mast and pole.”