At length only a week's
provisions remained. The condition was becoming serious.
"What shall we do?" was the question put to Mr. Holdfast, who was now
looked upon by all as their leader and chief.
Upon this the mate called a general meeting of all upon the island,
sailors and passengers alike.
"My friends," he said, "it is useless to conceal our situation. We are
nearly out of provisions, and though we may manage to subsist upon the
fish we catch, and other esculents native to this spot, it will be a
daily fight against starvation. I have been asked what we are to do. I
prefer rather to call for suggestions from you. What have you to
suggest?"
"In my view there are two courses open to us," said Mr. Stubbs,
finding that no one else appeared to have anything to propose. "We
must remain here and eat the rest of our provisions, but there seems
very little chance of our attracting the attention of any passing
vessel. We appear to be out of the ordinary course. Of course, it is
possible that some ship may have passed the island without attracting
our notice. What is your opinion, Mr. Holdfast?"
"The flag of the Nantucket, as you know, has floated night and day
from a pole erected on a high bluff," said the mate. "The chances are
that if any vessel had come sufficiently near it would have attracted
attention, and led to a boat being lowered, and an exploring party
sent thither.
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