two brave fellows that I had been so grudgeful of, I know that if you
were dying you would put it off to get up and do your best, and then you
would be so modest that in lying down again to die, you would hardly say,
'I did it!'"

It did me good. It really did me good.

But, to go back to where I broke off. Says Captain Carton to Lieutenant
Linderwood, "Sir, how will you divide your men? There is not room for
all; and a few men should, in any case, be left here."

There was some debate about it. At last, it was resolved to leave eight
Marines and four seamen on the Island, besides the sloop's two boys. And
because it was considered that the friendly Sambos would only want to be
commanded in case of any danger (though none at all was apprehended
there), the officers were in favour of leaving the two non-commissioned
officers, Drooce and Charker. It was a heavy disappointment to them,
just as my being one of the left was a heavy disappointment to me--then,
but not soon afterwards. We men drew lots for it, and I drew "Island."
So did Tom Packer. So of course, did four more of our rank and file.

When this was settled, verbal instructions were given to all hands to
keep the intended expedition secret, in order that the women and children
might not be alarmed, or the expedition put in a difficulty by more
volunteers. The assembly was to be on that same spot at sunset. Every
man was to keep up an appearance, meanwhile, of occupying himself in his
usual way. That is to say, every man excepting four old trusty seamen,
who were appointed, with an officer, to see to the arms and ammunition,
and to muffle the rullocks of the boats, and to make everything as trim
and swift and silent as it could be made.