The news was too important to keep, and he returned to the encampment,
and entering, approached the mate, who was sleeping soundly. He leaned
over and shook him gently.
"Mr. Holdfast!" he cried.
The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up.
"What's the matter?" he asked. "Has anything happened?"
"I've got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. Captain Hill has arrived."
"What!" exclaimed the mate, in amazement. "Arrived--where?"
"He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with all the men that
accompanied him in the long boat."
Uttering an expression of amazement, Mr. Holdfast sprang from the
ground, and hastily made his way to the edge of the bluff.
"By Jove!" said he, "you're right. I never heard of anything more
wonderful."
Harry could not tell from the expression of his face whether he
considered the news good or not.
"Go and wake up the rest, Harry," he said. "They will be surprised,
too."
It is needless to say that the news produced surprise and excitement.
All hurried to the edge of the bluff.
"Will they come on shore, do you think?" asked Harry of the mate.
"They will have to; but I shall at once go out to the ship and report
to my superior officer. You and Jack may go with me."
It is needless to say that both boys were very glad to accept this
invitation.
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