"Nothing could be better.

Now, what is the other matter that you want my advice about, Jacques ?" "Well, you see, it will be awkward for the other man, for he will either have the choice of coming down and giving himself up and being carried off as a prisoner, or of stopping on this island perhaps for years till a French ship happens to come along; for once off the Marie will continue her cruise to the Indian seas, and the other two will make straight for France.

Of course there is another course which might be taken.

A boat might be hidden away for him, and he might go for a cruise on his own account and take the chance of being picked up.
"Well, they have offered to the man as stops to put his name down on the books of all the three craft.

That means, of course, that he will get a share in the prize-money of all three ships if they get back.
That's a pretty good offer, you know.