ys. But that is all gone and past now. The first thing that I
want to talk to you about, Gurney, is the boats. I don't much like the
idea of going to sea without boats, and especially the longboat. Now,
so far as the quarter boats are concerned, I believe we might manage to
get them both hoisted up to the davits, by hooking the watch-tackle on
to the falls; but what about the longboat? Do you think there is any
possibility of our being able to hoist her in?"

"We might, certainly--if we only had the time," answered Gurney. "But
it would have to be done before we passed out through the reef. In
smooth water--if, as I say, we had the time--I dare say it could be
done. But not outside, with the ship rolling and tumbling about; the
boat would be stove long before we could get her inboard."

"Undoubtedly," I agreed. "But I have a plan which I think will afford
us the time to hoist in the longboat as well as the two quarter boats
before we go outside. When once we are safely out of the Basin, what
have we to fear? Nothing, except being overtaken and the ship
recaptured by a strong body of men sent after us in boats. But if they
have no boats they cannot follow us! Now, my plan is this. I propose
that, as soon as it seems safe to do so, we proceed to the spot where
all the boats are moored, man the jollyboat, and tow all the rest off to
the ship, veering them astern by their painters when we get aboard.
Then we will loose and set the fore and main topsail and fore topmast
staysail, slip the cable, and work the ship out between the Heads into
the lagoon. Once there, we are safe; we can heave-to, and hoist the two
quarter boats to the davits, then put on the hatches, and hoist in the
longboat, with no fear that anyone can possibly interfere with us.
Then, when we have completed our work to our satisfaction, we can cast
the remaining boats adrift--they will be certain to drive ashore
undamaged, and be recovered--and we can go out through the reef in broad
daylight."

"By Jove, Mr Troubridge, you have hit it!" exclaimed Gurney with
enthusiasm. "If we can manage to secure the whole of the boats, and get
the ship out of the Basin, undetected, we may defy all hands of them.
Yes; I see no possibility of a hitch in that plan. But we shall not be
safe until we are outside the Basin. And now, what do you think, Mr
Troubridge, will it be safe to make a beginning at once, or shall we
give them a little longer to get ind