Stubbs had a hurried conference.
"Can't we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Harry. "The poor men
look utterly exhausted."
"Well thought of, my boy! I am with you. I will speak to the captain."
But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be nearer, and to him
Mr. Stubbs put the question:
"Can't I help at the pumps?"
"And I, too, Mr. Holdfast," put in Harry.
"I accept your offer with thanks. The men are very tired."
So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this necessary work, and when the
professor and the Melbourne merchant heard of it they, too,
volunteered. But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, and Montgomery
Clinton felt quite inadequate to the task.
Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, but he had the comfort of
feeling that he was relieving the exhausted sailors, and doing
something to save his own life and the lives of his companions.
He caught sight of poor Jack, looking ready to drop.
"Jack, you must be very tired," he said, in a tone of deep sympathy.
"If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast asleep," said Jack.
"Can't you lie down for an hour? I am taking your place."
Mr. Holdfast coming up at this moment, Harry suggested this to him,
and the mate said kindly:
"Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap.
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