Part 20 (1/2)

”Yes, yes, let us go at once,” and d.i.c.k started off once more.

After that both were very careful where they stepped and kept their eyes wide open for any new danger which might arise. So they went on until they came in sight of the seash.o.r.e.

”We had better say nothing about the snake,” said the eldest Rover.

”It will only scare the girls to death.”

”No, lad, you are wrong. We must warn them of danger. Otherwise they may run into it headlong.”

All of the others were glad to have them back and plied them with questions.

”So there are seven islands,” said Tom. ”Well, as there are seven of us, that is one island apiece. I don't think we need complain,” and his jolly manner made all laugh.

When Jerry told the story about the snake Dora set up a scream.

”Oh, d.i.c.k, if it had really strangled you!” she gasped. ”You must be very, very careful in the future!”

”Yes, and you must be careful, too, Dora,” he answered.

”There is a nice beach right around the edge of the island,” said old Jerry. ”So, when we want to visit the other islands, we can walk around on the sand. That is better than climbing the hill.”

”But the beach doesn't run to the other islands, does it?” asked Sam.

”No, but we can carry our rowboat around with us, to that bay between the islands. There the water is smooth enough for anybody to row in.”

”The six islands are shaped exactly like a ring,” said d.i.c.k. ”And this island is the big stone on top.”

”As the island is uninhabited I suppose we'll have to settle down and build ourselves huts or something,” came from Nellie.

”To be sure. We'll be regular Robinson Crusoes,” answered Tom. ”Why, I can tell you it will be jolly, when we get used to it.”

”Where will we build our huts?” asked Sam.

”We can build them here, if we wish,” replied d.i.c.k. ”But I rather favor the side fronting the other islands.”

”Yes, that's the best side,” said Captain Jerry. ”If we build here, a strong storm may knock our huts flat. That side is more sheltered and, consequently, safer. Besides, there is more fruit there, and I'm sure better fis.h.i.+ng in the bay, and that's what counts, too.”

”Of course it counts--since we must live on fruits, fish, and what birds and animals we manage to knock over,” said Tom.

The boys had been fairly successful in hunting and fis.h.i.+ng, having knocked over half a dozen birds and caught four fair-sized fish.

Everything had been done to a turn over the camp-fire, and d.i.c.k and old Jerry did full justice to what was set before them--on some dried palm leaves Nellie had found. Their coffee they drank out of some cocoanut sh.e.l.ls. They had no forks, but used sharp sticks instead, and the knives the boys carried in their pockets.

The weather continued fine and that night the moon shone as brightly as ever. The boys took a stroll on the beach to talk over their plans.

”I am sorry to say there is no telling how long we may have to stay here,” said d.i.c.k. ”It may be a day, a week, or for years.”

”Oh, some s.h.i.+p is bound to pick us up some day,” returned Tom. ”And if we can find enough to live on in the meantime, what is the use of complaining? I am glad my life was spared.”

”So am I, Tom.”

”I would like to know what became of Dan Baxter,” put in Sam. ”Can it be possible that all of the rest perished?”