evidence in support of his
assertion that not only their profit but their actual safety depended
upon their becoming possessed of a much faster vessel than the
_Albatross_ as speedily as might be; winding up his speech by requesting
that each man present would give the committee the benefit of his views
on the matter in hand.

A somewhat excited debate then ensued, Ralli making himself especially
conspicuous by his opposition to Johnson; but in the end the latter
succeeded in carrying his point, and the construction of the vessel was
definitely decided upon.

Lance was then called upon to submit his drawings for inspection; which
he forthwith did, explaining at the same time the peculiarities of the
design. The vessel he proposed to build was to have a broad shallow
hull, with a very deep keel; and her water-lines were simply faultless.
There was a considerable difference of opinion as to the desirability of
having a vessel of that type; but Lance, who was anxious above all
things to build a craft which would carry his party safely, comfortably,
and speedily home, provided they should be so fortunate as to obtain
possession of her, ably combated all adverse criticism, in which he was
ably seconded by Johnson, who seemed greatly taken with the design, and
in the end they had their own way.

This important point being settled, the meeting broke up; and on the
following morning the first step was taken toward carrying the work into
execution. The vessel which had been selected for breaking up was
unmoored and brought close in to the shore abreast the capstan-house,
where she was anchored. A strong party was then told off for the
purpose of loading her, under the joint-superintendence of Lance,
Johnson, Captain Staunton, and the carpenter of the _Galatea_, who went
by the name of "Kit," short for Christopher. Lance requisitioned the
stores of the pirates with the utmost freedom, taking everything he
thought likely to be in the least degree useful; and in this way three
days were consumed. On the fourth day the hulk was once more unmoored,
and, with three boats ahead, towed to the rock at the mouth of the
harbour and grounded upon it. The work of landing the stores and
materials then commenced; and when these had all been conveyed safely
ashore, the erection of workshops, etcetera, was begun. And it was at
this period that Johnson began to realise for the first time how
valuable an acquisition to his band he had g