Herbert had a lively and reverent love for the engineer.

Pencroft saw the close sympathy which existed between the two, but he was not in the least jealous.

Neb was Neb: he was what he would be always, courage, zeal, devotion, self-denial personified.

He had the same faith in his master that Pencroft had, but he showed it less vehemently.

When the sailor was enthusiastic, Neb always looked as if he would say, "Nothing could be more natural." Pencroft and he were great friends.
As to Gideon Spilett, he took part in the common work, and was not less skilful in it than his companions, which always rather astonished the sailor.