Part 46 (1/2)

The good news spread like lightning.

”A s.h.i.+p! an American wars.h.i.+p is coming!” was the cry.

”Oh, how thankful I am,” came from Dora.

”What shall we do next?” asked Nellie, with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

”We'll go to the sh.o.r.e and meet the small boat that is sent in,”

answered Captain Blossom.

Without delay he set out, accompanied by d.i.c.k and old Jerry, leaving the others to defend the cave during his absence.

It was nearly two hours before he returned.

”The s.h.i.+p is the cruiser _Jefferson_,” he said. ”She is bound for Honolulu, to await orders. The captain says he will take us on board willingly, and he will do what he can to help us bring those other fellows to justice.”

”Hurrah!” cried Tom. ”If that is so, then our troubles as castaways are over.”

”And we are not sorry,” said Grace. ”Not a bit sorry.”

And all of the others agreed with her.

A few words more and I will bring to a close this story of the Rover boys' adventures on land and sea.

The captain of the wars.h.i.+p was true to his word, and before nightfall all who had been in the cave were safe on board of the Jefferson.

Those who were wounded or hurt were given the best of medical attention, and everybody was made comfortable.

”What attracted me to the islands was the bright reflection in the sky when the wreck was burnt,” said the captain of the cruiser. ”I thought perhaps that a volcano had become active. But at daybreak we saw nothing unusual, and were about to turn away when the lookout discovered your flag of distress.”

”What will you do about the mutineers and Dan Baxter?” asked d.i.c.k.

”We'll bring them to justice, if we can, lad.”

When a visit was paid to the burnt house n.o.body was in sight. But in the woods nearby a wounded sailor was discovered. He was badly hurt, and, though given every care, died two days later while on s.h.i.+pboard.