"
"You have settled the matter, then, so far as I am concerned," I said,
with a laugh.
"And why not, partner?" answered Hartog. "We own a fine ship that was
surely never intended only to make a maiden voyage. We could visit this
place, and be back in twelve months--two years at most. What is to keep
us, then, from our pleasure trip?"
Before Hartog had done speaking, I knew my mind was made up to go with
him. My life at home with Pauline had become intolerable, nor did I
take any active part in De Decker's business, finding the drudgery of
the counting-house irksome after my more exciting experiences on sea
and land, so, without further ado, I expressed to Hartog my willingness
to join him in a fresh adventure to the South.
Hartog was overjoyed at my decision.
"I made no doubt you would come with me, Peter," he said. "We have been
shipmates too long to sail our separate ways alone. With Bantum and
Janstins, who are willing to sign on, and a picked crew; we can explore
the Ruby Mountains and be back within the year."
CHAPTER XLI
THE RUBY MOUNTAINS
On our second voyage to the South in the "Golden Seahorse" we followed
the route we had originally taken with the "Endraght", avoiding as far
as possible the calms and currents which had then impeded our progress,
as also those islands where we had met with a hostile reception.
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