"I knew you were one of the right sort." Hall, too, condescended to approve of his decision, and at once began to busy himself with preparations for our immediate start.
I, however, was by no means comfortable at what had taken place.

It was plain to see Charlie had yielded against his better judgment, and that with whatever alacrity he might now throw himself into the scheme, his mind was not easy.

Had I been less selfishly inclined towards my own pleasure, I should have sided with him in his desire not to engage in a questionable proceeding; but, alas! my wishes in this case had ruled my conscience.

Still, I made one feeble effort on Archer's behalf.
"Hall," whispered I, as I stooped with him to disengage the ropes at the bottom of the boat, "what's the use of taking Charlie when he doesn't want to go?
We may as well put him ashore if he'd sooner not go." "Archer," said Hall, looking up from his ropes, "did you say you wanted to go, or not ?" The question was accompanied by a look which made it hard for the boy to reply anything but-- "I want to go." "And it's your own free will, eh ?" "Yes." So ended my weak effort.

If only I had been more determined to do right; if, alas! I had imagined a thousandth part of what that day was to bring forth, I would have set Archer ashore, whether he would or not, even if to do so had cost me my life.
But this is anticipating.
For half an hour we were busy getting our boat trim for her voyage.