It may also be
useful in discouraging anyone who tries to interfere with our
enterprise. Am I correct, Captain Killam?"
"Quite," says Rupert, noddin' his head solemn.
"And now," says Old Hickory, "having been thoroughly frank with you, I
ask that this information be treated as confidential. Also, will any
of you who wish to reconsider your acceptances kindly say so at once?
How about you, Simms?"
"As you know, Ellins," says J. Dudley, "I am a timid, fearsome person.
Do I understand that you three assume all responsibility, all risks?"
"Absolutely," says Mr. Ellins.
"Then here is an opportunity to indulge in vicarious adventure," says
Dudley, "which I can't afford to miss. I'll go; but I shall expect
when the time comes, Ellins, that you will conduct yourself in an
utterly reckless manner, while I watch you through a porthole."
"And you, Professor?" goes on Mr. Ellins.
"If I can secure a specimen of the _rivoluta splendens_," says
Leonidas, "I shall gladly take any chances."
"Isn't the dear Professor just too heroic?" coos Mrs. Mumford. "It
will be worth while going merely to see what a _rivoluta splendens_
really is."
"We seem to be agreed," says Old Hickory, "and our company is made up.
That is, with two exceptions.
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