Frank. "I for one object to that."

"Wait a little," said Crayford. "You were playing backgammon the
other day with one of the officers. Does the board belong to him
or to you?"

"It belongs to me. I have got it in my locker here. What do you
want with it?"

"I want the dice and the box for casting lots. The captains have
arranged--most wisely, as I think--that Chance shall decide among
us who goes with the expedition and who stays behind in the huts.
The officers and crew of the _Wanderer_ will be here in a few
minutes to cast the lots. Neither you nor any one can object to
that way of deciding among us. Officers and men alike take their
chance together. Nobody can grumble."

"I am quite satisfied," said Frank. "But I know of one man among
the officers who is sure to make objections."

"Who is the man?"

"You know him well enough, too. The 'Bear of the Expeditions'
Richard Wardour."

"Frank! Frank! you have a bad habit of letting your tongue run
away with you. Don't repeat that stupid nickname when you talk of
my good friend, Richard Wardour."

"Your good friend? Crayford! your liking for that man amazes me."