"At all events, I think that you, Mrs.Weldon, Jack, Mr.Benedict, and Nan, ought not to quit this grotto.

Bat, Hercules, Acteon, and Austin should remain near you, while Tom and I should go forward.

Negoro, doubtless, will prefer to remain here ?" added Dick Sand, looking at the head-cook.
"Probably," replied Negoro, who was not a man to commit himself any more than that.
"We should take Dingo with us," continued the novice.

"He would be useful to us during our exploration." Dingo, hearing his name pronounced, reappeared at the entrance of the grotto, and seemed to approve of Dick Sand's projects by a little bark.
Since the novice had made this proposition, Mrs.Weldon remained pensive.

Her repugnance to the idea of a separation, even short, was very serious.