Been forthcoming, to which they were compelled to give
in their adherence.
"The 'Daylight' is quite big enough to carry them all, for such a short
distance, if they're properly stowed," said Jack Clark, the roughrider, who
was a zealous advocate for the conveyance of his pet quadrupeds.
"Of course she can," said another; "and we shall get the work over as
quickly again."
"How will you land them?" I ventured to suggest; "for the cutter can never
go near enough to the shore to walk them out."
"She can't get within a quarter of a mile," said the pilot; for at this
time none of us knew of the little inlet, into which Lizzie so deftly
guided us.
"Pitch them overboard, of course," cried Jack; "they'll pretty soon make
for the land; and I'll send my mare Gossamer first; she'll give them a
lead, I'll bet. Cunning old devil!"
The impetuosity of Jack was fast gaining converts, when Cato pulled Dunmore
quietly by the sleeve, and said -
"Marmy, baal you take 'em yarroman like 'it Hinchinbrook; my word, plenty
of alligator sit down along of water. He been parter that fellow like 'it
damper."
"By Jove! Cato's right," said Dunmore; "we forget about the alligators and
sharks. I won't let the boys take their horses, and shall not take my own.
I lost one horse from an alligator last year, on the Pioneer River, and
Government wanted to make me pay for it, and I'll take care I don't risk
losing 'three'.
