You understand ?" "Perfectly, captain." "If we are not to be found, after you have done all in your power, you will take command of the schooner, and bring her back to the Falklands." "I will do so." The large boat was rapidly got ready.

Eight men embarked in it, including Martin Holt and Hunt, all armed with rifles, pistols, and knives; the latter weapons were slung in their belts.

They also carried cartridge-pouches.

I stepped forward and said,-- "Will you not allow me to accompany you, captain ?" "If you wish to do so, Mr.Jeorling." I went to my cabin, took my gun--a repeating rifle--with ball and powder, and rejoined Captain Len Guy, who had kept a place in the stern of the boat for me.

Our object was to discover the passage through which Arthur Pym and Dirk Peters had crossed the reef on the 19th of January, 1828, in the _Jane's_ boat.