THE THIRD MAN

THAT same week we began our preparations for the voyage.

Joe, the mussel-man, had the Curlew moved down the river and tied
it up along the river-wall, so it would be more handy for
loading. And for three whole days we carried provisions down to
our beautiful new boat and stowed them away.

I was surprised to find how roomy and big she was inside. There
were three little cabins, a saloon (or dining-room) and
underneath all this, a big place called the hold where the food
and extra sails and other things were kept.

I think Joe must have told everybody in the town about our coming
voyage, because there was always a regular crowd watching us when
we brought the things down to put aboard. And of course sooner or
later old Matthew Mugg was bound to turn up.

"My Goodness, Tommy," said he, as he watched me carrying on some
sacks of flour, "but that's a pretty boat! Where might the Doctor
be going to this voyage?"

"We're going to Spidermonkey Island," I said proudly.

"And be you the only one the Doctor's taking along?"

"Well, he has spoken of wanting to take another man," I said;
"but so far he hasn't made up his mind."