CHAPTER XIX.
WE return to the cutter and her living freight.
After an anxious but brief consultation, it was agreed that their best chance was to traverse as many miles of water as possible while the wind was fair; by this means they would increase their small chance of being picked up, and also of falling in with land, and would, at all events, sail into a lovely climate, where intense cold was unknown and gales of wind uncommon.

Mr.Hazel advised them to choose a skipper, and give him absolute power, especially over the provisions.

They assented to this.

He then recommended Cooper for that post.

But they had not fathomed the sterling virtues of that taciturn seaman; so they offered the command to Welch, instead.
"Me put myself over Sam Cooper!" said he; "not likely." Then their choice fell upon Michael Morgan.