Yet he was not willing to do the mate's work, or put that work onto
others, so Jack Lesher had to take his turn on deck, no matter in
what condition.

"I must say I don't like that first mate at all," said Tom to Sam.
"He is very friendly with Baxter."

"I have noticed that," replied the youngest Rover. "Such a friendship
doesn't count in the mate's favor."

"Last night he was thoroughly drunk, and wasn't fit to command."

"Well, that is Captain Blossom's lookout. The captain can't be on
deck all of the time."

Two nights after this talk Jack Lesher was again in command of the
ship, Captain Blossom having retired after an unusually hard day.

It was hot and dark, and the air betokened a storm. The man at the
wheel was following a course set by the captain, and the sailors
whose watch was on deck lay around taking it as easy as they could.

The mate had been drinking but little in the afternoon, but before
coming on deck he took several draughts of rum. He was in a partiallarly
bad humor and ready to find fault with anybody or anything.

Some of the sails had been reefed, and these he ordered shaken out,
although there was a stiff breeze blowing. Then he approached the
man at the wheel and asked for the course.

"Southwest by south," was the answer.

"That aint right," growled the mate. "It should be south by west."

"The captain gave it to me southwest by south," answered the man.

"Don't talk back to me!" roared Jack Lesher. "I know the course as
well as the captain. Make it south by west, or I'll flog you for
disobeying orders."

"Aye, aye, sir," answered the man at the wheel, and the course was
changed, for the sailor stood greatly in fear of the mate. Then the
mate sent below for another drink of rum.




CHAPTER XII

ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT SEA


It was four hours later, and Captain Blossom was just preparing to
come on deck, when there, came a fearful shock which threw the Golden
Wave back and over on her side.

"We have struck! We are on the rocks!" came a shrill cry from the
deck, and immediately there was an uproar.

The Rover boys were thrown to the floor from their berths, and it
was several seconds before they could realize what had happened.

"We have struck something, that is sure!" gasped Sam.

As quickly as they could they donned their clothing and made their
way to the large state-room occupied by the girls.

"Oh, what a shock!" came from Nellie.

"Are you safe?" asked Tom.

"I am, but poor Grace struck her head on the wall, and is unconscious."

Without ceremony Tom picked up the unconscious girl, wrapped her in
a blanket, and, aided by Sam, carried her to the deck, the others
following. A minute later Grace revived.

On deck they found all in confusion. The bowsprit of the _Golden Wave_
was gone, and also the main topmast, while a mass of the rigging
littered the forecastle. It was also announced that the rudder was
broken and the vessel was pounding helplessly on the rocks, with a
big hole in the bow directly below the waterline.

"Who changed the course?" demanded Captain Blossom. "We should be
fifty miles away from these rocks."

"The first mate made me change the course," said the man who had been
at the wheel. "I told him you had said southwest by south, and he
made it south by west."

"He don't know what he's talking about!" howled Jack Lesher. The
shock had partly sobered him. "He was steering due south, and I told
him to make it southwest by south."

But little more could be said on the point, for it was feared that
the schooner would go down at any moment.

"We must man the boats," said the captain. "Bring up the provisions
and the kegs of water, and be quick about it."

"Are we near land?" asked Dick.

"There should be some islands four or five miles south of this spot,"
answered Captain Blossom.

Now that there was danger of going down some of the sailors seemed
to grow crazy. Half a dozen tumbled into one of the boats and began
to lower it of their own accord.

"Stand back there!" shouted the captain. "The girls must go first."

"Not much!" shouted one of the sailors. "It's everybody for himself
now!" And in a moment more the small boat had left the ship's side
and disappeared in the darkness.

There were three other boats and the remaining sailors, along with
the first mate and Dan Baxter, wanted to crowd into these. But Captain
Blossom said he would shoot the first man who tried to row away
without his orders. Then some provisions were put into the boats,
and the captain divided the whole company among the three boats.

"Let us stay together, captain," pleaded Dick. "We can row."

"And what of the girls, Rover?"

"Let us go with the Rover boys," pleaded Dora, and Nellie and Grace
said the same. Old Jerry also stood by his friends.

While this talk was going on there was a rush for two of the boats,
and before Captain Blossom could do anything his men were off, taking
Jack Lesher and Dan Baxter with them.

"You can go down with the ship!" cried Dan Baxter mockingly. An
instant later the darkness hid the speaker from view.

"They have left us," cried Captain Blossom. "But, thank fortune, the
best and largest boat is also left."

Some provisions had been tumbled into this boat, and a cask of water
followed. Then the girls were placed on board, the Rover boys followed,
and the captain and old Jerry came behind, to cut away. Down went
the small boat into the mighty waves, and each of the boys caught up
an oar.

"Pull!" roared Captain Blossom. "Pull for your lives!" And they did
pull, two boys on one side, and Sam and old Jerry on the other. The
girls huddled in the stern, expecting every moment to see the little
craft turn bottom side up. They scraped along the side of the doomed
ship, and then along some rocks. Captain Blossom was in the bow,
peering ahead.

"To the left!" he yelled. "Quick!" And then came a shock, and the
captain disappeared beneath the waves.

"The captain is gone!" screamed Dora, but she was hardly heard, for
the ship was pounding on the rocks, and the spray was flying in all
directions. The boys and old Jerry continued to pull, knowing not
what else to do, and at last the spot was left behind and they found
themselves on the bosom of the mighty Pacific, in the black darkness,
out of sight of everything, with only the sounds of the wind and the
waves filling their ears.

"Do you think we will ever get out of this alive?" asked Grace of Dora.

"Let us pray that we may all be spared," answered Dora, and they did
pray, more earnestly than they had ever before prayed in their whole
lives. It was a moment that put their faith to a supreme test.

The boys did not dare to stop rowing, and they kept on until their
backs ached and their arms seemed ready to drop from their sockets.

"We had better take turns," said Dick, at last. "We can't keep this
up all night.." And his suggestion was followed out, two, rowing at
a time, for a space of fifteen or twenty minutes.

They thought they might see something of the other boats, but nothing
came to view, and when they set up a shout at the top of their lungs,
no answer came back.

"They have either gone down or else got out of this neighborhood,"
said Tom.

"It was too bad to lose Captain Blossom," said Sam. "He was not such
a bad sort, after all."

It was not long after this that a mass of wreckage drifted past
them. There was a bit of broken spar and some other woodwork, but no
human being, and they let the wreckage go.

By looking at his watch Dick saw that it was three o'clock in the
morning.

"It will be light in another couple of hours," he said. "If we can
keep on top of the waves until then perhaps we can sight the islands
the captain mentioned."

"I wish it was daylight now," sighed Nellie.

Fortunately a bundle of clothing had been brought along, and as the
water was warm, nobody suffered much from the wetting received. Care
was taken to keep the provisions as dry as possible, for there was
no telling how long it would be before they would be able to get more.

Slowly the night dragged by, and, with the coming of morning, the
wind went down, the storm passing to the northward.

"It is growing lighter," announced Dora. "The sunlight is beginning
to, show over the rim of the sea."

Half an hour later the sun came up, like a great ball of fire from
a bath in the ocean, capping the high waves with gold. As the light
spread around them, Dick stood up on a seat and gazed eagerly in all
directions.

"What do you see?" demanded the others.

"Nothing," he answered, with a sinking heart; "nothing but water on
all sides of us."

"The islands--they must be somewhere!" cried Tom, and he, too, took
a look, followed by the others. The last to look was old Jerry.

"Can't see much," said the old sailor slowly. "But I kind of reckon
there's a dark spot directly southward."

"It must be one of the islands the captain mentioned!" exclaimed Dora.

"We might as well row in that direction," said Dick. "There is nothing
else to do."

"It's queer what became of the other boats," said Sam.

Some of the provisions were brought forth and they ate sparingly,
and drank a little of the water. Then the boys and old Jerry took up
the oars once more and began to pull as nearly southward as they
could make it, steering by the sun.

When the sun grew higher it became very warm, so that the rowers were
glad enough to lay aside their jackets. By noon they reckoned that
they had covered six or eight miles. One after another stood up on
the seats to take a look around.

"Nothing in sight yet," said Dick, with a sorry shake of his head.
"We must have been mistaken in that dark spot."

"What will you do now?" asked Grace. "The hot sun is beginning to
make my head ache."

Sam's head also ached, but he said nothing. Nobody knew what to suggest.

"One thing is certain; we can't remain out on the bosom of the ocean,"
said Dick.

"Better continue to pull southward," came from old Jerry. "There are
lots of islands down that way. The map is full of 'em."

"Yes, the map is full of them," answered Dick. "But a quarter of an
inch on the map means a hundred miles or two in reality."

Yet it was decided to row on, trusting to luck to strike some island,
either large or small. It was now fiercely hot, and all hands perspired
freely.

By the end of the afternoon the boys were worn out, and had to give
up rowing. The girls were dozing in the stern, having covered their
heads with a thin shawl, stretched from one gunwale to another. Tom
and Sam were dizzy from the glare of the sun on the water.

"Another day like this will set me crazy," said the youngest Rover.
"I'd give ten dollars for a pair of blue goggles."

Old Jerry had been looking intently to the westward. Now he pointed
in that direction.

"See that trail of smoke," he said. "Unless I am mistaken a steamship
is sailing toward us!"

"A steamship!" cried Tom, and the words awoke the girls. "We must
hail the vessel by all means."

"If she comes close enough," said Captain Jerry pointedly. "Don't be
too hopeful, my lads. She may pass us by."




CHAPTER XIII

THE CRUSOES OF SEVEN ISLANDS


All on board of the rowboat watched the thin trail of smoke with
interest.

"I believe it is going away from us," said Dora.

"No, it is coming closer," said Nellie.

"It is certainly moving to the northward," put in Sam.

A quarter of an hour went by and the smoke came only a little nearer.

"She is a big steamer," said Captain Jerry. "But she aint comin' jest
this way."

"You are sure?" cried Tom.

"Yes, lad. It's too bad, but it can't be helped."

The old sailor was right; half an hour later the smoke had shifted,
and after that it faded gradually from sight.

It was a heavy blow, after their expectations had been raised so
high, and tears stood in the eyes of all of the girls, while the boys
looked unusually sober.

What was to do next? All asked that question, yet it was only Captain
Jerry who answered it.

"Let us pull southward," said he.

And they did so, although with hearts that were as heavy as lead in
their bosoms.

Slowly the night came on. Shortly after the sun set the moon showed
itself and the sky became studded with stars, the Southern Cross
standing out boldly among them. The pale light made the bosom of the
ocean glisten like silver.

"A beautiful night," said Dora. "But who can enjoy it when we do not
know what to-morrow will bring forth," and she sighed deeply.

The boys and old Jerry continued to take turns at rowing, while the
girls sank into fitful slumber.

Presently the old sailor raised his head.

"Listen!" he said, and they did so, and far away heard a strange booming.

"What's that?" questioned Sam.

"It's breakers!" cried Tom. "We must be near some coast!"

"The lad is right," came from Captain Jerry. "We are near an island,
after all!"

Dick stood on a seat, and, as the boat rode to the top of a wave,
took a look around.

"An island!" he cried. "Dead ahead!"

"Hurrah! We are saved!" ejaculated Sam. "What is the matter?" questioned
Dora, rousing up, followed by the other girls.

"There is an island ahead."

"We must be careful how we approach the shore, lads," cautioned Jerry.
"If we strike the rocks, it may cost us our lives. Perhaps we had
better hold off until daylight."

"I see a stretch of sand!" came from Tom, who was standing up. "If
we can reach that, we'll be all right."

Old Jerry took a careful look. The sand was there, true enough, but
there were dangerous breakers between the boat and that shore.

"If you say so, we can run our chances," he said. "The young ladies
must hold tight, and not mind a good ducking."

The force of the waves was now carrying them closer and closer to
the breakers. Under old Jerry's directions the boys took a short,
sharp stroke, keeping the rowboat straight up to the waves. The noise
was like thunder, and soon the spray was flying all over them.

"Now pull!" cried Captain Jerry. "One, two, three! Hold tight, girls!"
And away they went into the breakers. One wave dashed over the craft,
but it was not swamped, and before another could hit them they darted
up a swell and onto a long, sandy beach.

In a twinkle the old sailor was out, along with Dick, and, aided by
another wave, they ran the boat well up the beach, out of the harm
of the waves. It was a hard struggle, and when it was over Dick sank
down almost exhausted.

"Saved!" murmured Dora, as she leaped out on shore. "Thank Heaven!"
And all of the others echoed the sentiment.

The empty boat was pulled up out of harm's way and chained fast to
a palm tree growing near, and then the party of seven sat down to
rest and to talk over the new condition of affairs. They were on a
wild, tropical coast, with a long, sandy beach running to the ocean,
and back of this a dense mass of tropical vegetation, including palms,
plantains, cocoanuts, and date trees. Back of the heavy growth was
a distant hill, standing out dimly in the moonlight.

"This looks like a regular Crusoe-like island," said Dora, as she
gazed around. "There is not a sign of a habitation anywhere."

"A good many of the South Sea islands are not inhabited," said Dick.
"The natives won't live on them because they are subject to volcano
eruptions, earthquakes, and tidal waves."

"Well, I hope we don't have any of those things while we stay here," came
from Nellie. "An earthquake would scare me almost to death."

"I do not see that we can do better than to stay right here for the
rest of the night," said Tom. "I am too tired out to walk very, far."

It was decided to follow Tom's advice, and all made themselves as
comfortable as circumstances permitted. They had some matches in a
waterproof safe, and soon a camp-fire was started, at which they
dried some of their garments. Then, after eating some of the provisions
that were left, they laid down to rest. Strange as it may seem all
slept soundly until sunrise, and nothing came to disturb them.

When the girls arose they found the boys and Captain Jerry already
preparing breakfast. On the shore Tom, had found some oysters and
shell-fish, and these were baking. Among the provisions were a little
tea and coffee, and old Jerry had made a pot of coffee, which did
one good to smell. Sam had brought down some cocoanuts from a nearby
tree, and also found some ripe bananas.

"We won't starve' to death here, that's certain," said Dick, when
they all sat down to eat. "The island is full of good things. If I
had a gun I could bring down lots of birds, and monkeys, too."

"I don't think I'd care to eat a monkey," said Grace. "But I wouldn't
mind eating birds."

"There must be plenty of fish here, too," said Tom. "In fact I saw
some sporting in the waters of a little bay up the coast."

"Shall we go up and down the coast after breakfast?" asked Sam.

"My advice is to climb yonder hill and take a squint around," came
from Captain Jerry.

"That's a splendid idea, providing we can get to the tap," said Dick.

"There is no use of all of us going, lad. You can go with me while
the rest stay here."

"What shall we do in the meantime?" asked Sam.

"Better try your hand at fishin', lad, and see if you can knock some
birds over with sticks and stones. If ye get anything, let the girls
cook us somethin', for we'll be powerful hungry by the time we get back."

Half an hour later Captain Jerry and Dick set out. Each carried a
few ship's biscuits and also a heavy stick which had been cut in the
thickets. Each wished he had a gun or a pistol, but those articles
were not to be had.

The climb up the hill was by no means an easy one. The rocks were
rough and in many spots the jungle of brush and vines was so thick
that to get through was next to impossible. It was very warm, and
they had to stop often to cool off and catch their breath.

"I don't wonder that people in hot countries move slowly," said Dick.
"I feel more like resting than doing anything else."

It was almost noon when they came in sight of the top of the hill.
There were still some rough rocks to climb, and these they had to
ascend by means of some vines that grew handy.

"What a magnificent view!" cried Dick.

It certainly was magnificent. Looking back in the direction they had
come they could see the Pacific Ocean, glittering in the bright
sun-light and stretching miles and miles out of sight.

The island they were on looked to be about half a mile in diameter.
Northward, eastward, and westward was the ocean, but to the southward
was a circlet of six islands, having a stretch of calm water between
them. Between some of the islands the water was very shallow, while
elsewhere it looked deep.

"Seven islands in all," said old Jerry. "And not a sign of a house
or hut anywhere."

"We are the Crusoes of Seven Islands," said Dick. "But do you really
believe they are uninhabited?"

"Do ye see any signs of life, lad?"

"I must say I do not. It's queer, too, for I rather imagined one at
least of the other boats had reached this place."

"I thought the same. But it looks now as if they all went to Davy
Jones's locker, eh?"

"It certainly does look that way."

From the top of the hill they took a careful survey of the situation.
The elevation was in the very center of the island. Down toward the
other islands the slope was more abrupt than it was in the direction
from which they had come.

"We can take a look at those other islands later on," said old Jerry.
"Reckon as how we have done enough for one day. If we don't git back
soon, they'll become anxious about us."

"I wish we had a flag," said Dick. "Here is a tall tree. We could
chop away the top branches and hang up a signal of distress. If we
did that, perhaps some ship would come this way and rescue us."

"Right ye are, lad, but it aint many ships come this way. They are
afraid o' the rocks we run on."

Having looked around once more, to "git the lay o' the land," as
Captain Jerry expressed it, they started to descend the hill. This
proved as difficult as climbing up had been.

Dick went in advance, and was half-way down when he stepped on a
loose stick and went rolling into a perfect network of vines and
brushwood.

"Are ye hurt?" sang out old Jerry.

"No--not much!" answered the eldest Rover. "But my wind--Oh, goodness
gracious!"

Dick broke off short, and small wonder. As 'he arose from the hole
into which he had tumbled, a hissing sound caught his ears. Then up
came the head of a snake at least eight feet long, and in a twinkle
the reptile had wound itself around the boy's lower limbs!




CHAPTER XIV

SETTLING DOWN ON THE ISLAND


"What's wrong, lad?"

"A snake! It has wound itself around my legs!"

"Ye don't say!" gasped Captain Jerry, and then leaped down to the
hollow. "Well, by gosh! Take that, ye beast!"

"That" was a blow aimed at the reptile's head with the sailor's stick.
Old Jerry's aim was both swift and true and the head of the reptile
received a blow which knocked out one eye and bruised its fang. But
the body wound itself around Dick tighter than ever.

Fortunately the youth had not lost his wits completely, and as the
neck of the reptile came up, he grasped it in his hand with the
strongest grip he could command.

"Cut it--cut its head off!" he panted. "Get your pocket-knife!"

At once Captain Jerry dropped his stick and pulled out his jack-knife,
a big affair, such as many old sailors carry. One pull opened the
main blade, and then old Jerry started in to do as Dick had suggested.
It was no easy job and the body of the snake squirmed and whipped in
every direction, lashing each on the neck and the cheek. But the head
came off at last and then they left the body where it fell, and leaped
out of the way of further danger.

"A close shave, lad," said the old sailor, as he peered around for
more snakes.

"I--I should sa--say it wa--was," panted Dick. He was deadly pale.
"I--I thought it would strangle me sure!"

"If it had got around your neck, that is what would have happened.
Reckon as how we had better git out o' this neighborhood, eh?"

"Yes, yes, let us go at once," and Dick 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 seashore.

"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, Dick, 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 Dick. "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 Dick. "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 fishing 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 fishing, 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 Dick 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 shells. 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 Dick. "It may be a day, a week, or for years."

"Oh, some ship 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?"

"Certainly it is possible, Sam. You know what a time we had of it."

"It is an awful death to die--in the midst of the ocean," and the
youngest Rover shuddered.

"I agree with you," said Tom. "But I am more sorry for Captain Blossom
than for Baxter."

"The wrecking of the ship was the fault of the mate. He was drunk,"
said Dick. "The man at the wheel was doing what was right until Jack
Lesher came along."

"Well, I guess the mate went down with the rest."

"Look!" cried Sam, pointing to sea. "I see something dark on the water."

All gazed in the direction he pointed out and made out a mass of
wreckage. They watched it steadily until the breakers cast it almost
at their feet.

"Some wreckage from the ship!" cried Dick, on examination. "See, here
is the name on some of the woodwork. I reckon the vessel went to
pieces on the rocks."

The wreckage consisted mainly of broken spars and cordage. But there
were also some boxes, which, on being opened, proved to contain
provisions.

"It's not such a bad find, after all," said Tom. "I hope some more
comes ashore." But though they waited the best part of the night,
nothing more came to view.

In the morning the boys felt tired and they did not rouse up until
nearly noon. They found old Jerry at the beach, inspecting the wreckage.

"The ropes may come in handy," he said. "But the wood is of small
account, since' we have all we want already to hand."

It was decided to remain at the beach for the next day, to look for
more wreckage. But none came in, and then they started in a body to
skirt the shore around to the South Bay, as old Jerry called it. At
first they thought to carry the boat around, but concluded to come
back for that later.

It was a journey full of interest, for the sandy beach was dotted
with many strange and beautiful seashells, and just back of the sand
was the rich tropical growth already mentioned. The woods were full
of monkeys and birds, and once Tom thought he caught sight of some
goats or deer.

They reached an ideal spot fronting the little bay a little before
noon, and then the girls were glad enough to sit down in the shade
and rest. The bay was full of fish, and before long they had caught
three of the finny tribe. Fruit was also to be had in plenty, and a
spring of fresh water gushed from the rocks of the hill behind them.

"This is certainly a beautiful place," murmured Dora, as she gazed
around. "Were it not for the folks at home worrying about us, I could
spend quite some time here and enjoy it."

"Well, as our situation cannot be helped, let us make the best of
it," said Dick cheerfully. "There is no use in being downhearted when
we ought to be glad that we were saved."

Close to the rocks they found several trees growing in something of
two circles, and they decided that these trees should form the corner
posts of a double house or cabin.

"If we had an ax we might cut down some wood, but as it is we will
have to use strong vines and cover the huts with palm leaves," said
Captain Jerry.

The boys were soon at work, cutting the vines and gathering the palm
leaves, and the girls assisted as well as they were able in fastening
up the vine-ropes and binding in the leaves. It was slow work, yet
by nightfall one half the house was complete and the other had the
roof covered.

"Now, if rain comes, we can keep fairly dry," said Tom.

It rained the very next day and they were glad enough to crowd into
the completed part, while the rain came down in torrents. When the
worst of the downpour was over the wind arose and it kept blowing
fiercely all of the afternoon and the night.

"We can be thankful we are sheltered by the hill," said Sam. "Were
we on the other side of the island, the wind would knock the hut flat
and drench us in no time."

The storm kept all awake until early morning and when it went down
they were glad to sink to rest. All slept soundly and it was not
until ten o'clock, when the sun was struggling through the clouds,
that Tom arose, to find the others still slumbering.

"I'll let them sleep," he said to himself "They need it and there
is no need for them get to up."

Stretching himself, he walked quietly from the hut and down to the
beach. His first thought was to try to collect some wood, more or
less dry, and start a fire.

Gazing across the bay to one of the other islands, he saw a sight
which filled him with astonishment. There, on the beach of the island,
lay the wreck of the _Golden Wave_.




CHAPTER XV

ANOTHER CASTAWAY BROUGHT TO LIGHT


"The _Golden Wave_! Hurrah!"

Tom could not resist setting up a shout when he saw the familiar hull
of the schooner, resting quietly on the beach of an island on the
other side of the bay.

The cry awoke Sam, Dick, and old Jerry, and they came running out to
learn what it meant.

"The schooner!" came from Sam. "How did that get there?"

"The storm must have driven her off the rocks and into this bay,"
answered Dick. "She didn't go down, after all."

"It's a fine thing for us," put in Captain Jerry, his broad face
beaming with pleasure. "Now we can have all the provisions we want,
and clothing and guns, and if we can anchor the wreck in some way,
we can live on her just as comfortably as in a house at home."

The excited talking brought the girls out one after another, and they
were equally pleased over the stroke of good fortune.

"She seems to be cast up pretty high on the sand," said old Jerry. "But
even so, the sooner we get to her the better, or the sea may carry
her off."

"I am ready to go now," said Tom. "But how are we to get to that
island? It's a pity we didn't bring our boat around."

"There are two islands of the circle in between," came from Sam. "Why
can't we swim from one to the next and get around that way?"

"We can try it, lad. But we want to be careful. There may be sharks
around in these parts."

"Oh, don't let the sharks eat you up!" cried Grace.

"We'll keep our eyes open, never fear," said Dick.

A vote was taken, and it was decided that Sam should remain with the
girls, to protect them in case of unexpected danger, while Tom, Dick,
and old Jerry should make their way as best they could to the wreck.

The old sailor and the two boys were soon off. They tramped down the
beach a short distance and then reached a coral reef leading to the
next island. Here the water was not over a foot and a half deep, and
as clear as crystal, so the passage to Island No. 2, as Tom named
it, was comparatively easy.

The second island crossed they followed the shore around until they
came opposite to the island upon which the wreck rested. Here there
was a channel sixty or eighty feet wide and of unknown depth, the
channel through which the wreck had most likely entered the bay. The
water here was by no means smooth and Captain Jerry shook his head
doubtfully.

"It won't be no easy swim," he said. "Reckon as how I'll try it first."

"I can get over easily enough," said Dick, and threw off part of his
clothing and his shoes. He was soon in the water and striking out
boldly, and the others followed.

Short as was the distance, the swim was as hard as any of them looked
for, and when they reached the other side of the channel all were
out of breath and had to rest for a moment.

"It's a good thing no shark happened to be near," said Tom. "The
monster would certainly have had us at his mercy."

When they reached the wreck they found the stern well out of the
water. The _Golden Wave_ lay partly on her left side and it was a
comparatively easy matter to, gain the deck.

The masts were gone and there was a big hole in the bow, but otherwise
the craft had suffered little damage. Why she had not sunk was a
mystery until, later on, old Jerry discovered that some of the cargo,
consisting of flat cases, had got wedged into the break, thus cutting
off a large portion of the leak.

"We can anchor her without trouble," said the old sailor. "And perhaps
straighten her up too, so the deck won't be so slanty. Then she'll
be a reg'lar hotel for all hands."

"Let us go below and see how things are down there," said Dick, and
he at once led the way.

At that instant a loud sneeze reached their ears, causing Dick to
pause on the companion way. Looking into the cabin he saw a man
standing there, partly dressed.

"Captain Blossom!" he ejaculated. "Is it really you or your ghost?"

"Dick Rover!" cried the master of the schooner. "Then you weren't
drowned, after all?"

"No, captain. But--but how did you escape?"

"Is it really Captain Blossom?" came from Tom, and he rushed down
into the cabin, followed by old Jerry. All shook hands, and the face
of the captain showed his pleasure over the meeting.

"So you all escaped and are here," he said. "I am downright glad to
know it. What of the others?"

"We don't know what became of the other boats," answered Dick.

"Saw nothing at all?"

"Not a thing."

The captain shook his head sorrowfully.

"But how did you escape?" asked Dick again.

"That is a short story, lad. When I went overboard from the rowboat,
I caught hold of some of the wreckage from the schooner. This was
still fast to the deck, and by hauling myself in I soon got on board
again. As I had no boat, I remained on board, for I soon saw that
the schooner would not go down immediately. At daylight the ship left
the rocks and drifted around on the ocean until the wind came up last
night, when we struck this island and got beached, as you see. I was
worn out with watching, and as soon as I found the boat was safe from
sinking I went to bed, and slept soundly until I heard you three
tramping around the deck."

"We are stopping over on yonder island," said Tom, when all went on
deck, and he pointed in the direction. "See, Sam and the girls are
waving to us. Let us wave in return, and stand apart, so they can
see that there are four of us."

They did as the youngest Rover advised and soon saw that they were
seen. Then Captain Blossom held up his spyglass.

"I reckon they will know who I am by that," he said, and he was right,
for Sam told the girls that the fourth man was Captain Blossom beyond
a doubt.

"How is your stock of provisions?" asked old Jerry. "We are getting
just a bit tired of living on birds and fish. And we want a gun or
a pistol with which to protect ourselves."

"The _Golden Wave_ has enough provisions to last this party a year,"
answered the captain. "We haven't anything very fine, but we have
plenty of flour, dried beans, salt and smoked meats, and a good many
cases of canned vegetables, as well as sugar, tea, coffee, salt, and
pepper. With fresh fish and some game we'll be able to live as well
here as if we were on shore,--that is, if we can find fresh water."

"We have all the fresh water we want,--on the large island," said
Tom. "And lots of tropical fruit--cocoanuts, bananas, and the like."

"If we are going to live on the ship, we'll have to bring fresh water
over from the other island in a cask," said Dick. "That will not be
very handy."

"Can't we move the wreck over?" came from Tom.

"No, lad," answered Captain Blossom. "She is here to stay until her
timbers rot. But if we wish, we can move some of the provisions
ashore. There are the parts of a rowboat below, and I reckon I am
carpenter enough to put the parts together in a day or two."

"We have a boat on the north beach," said old Jerry; "we can bring
it around."

"To do that, we'll have to swim the channel again," came from Dick.
"And I must say I don't like that."

"Let us make a raft," cried Tom. "There must be plenty of material
on board of the schooner for that."

"There certainly is," answered Captain Blossom. "Come, we can make
a raft in less than an hour."

All set to work, and in a short space of time they had the material
together. Ropes and spikes were there a-plenty, and as Captain Blossom
laid out one stick and another, the boys and old Jerry either nailed
or tied them together. A board flooring was placed on top of the
spars and then the whole affair was dumped into the bay with a loud
splash. It floated very well, with the flooring a good ten inches
above the surface of the water, and as the raft was nearly twenty
feet long by ten wide, it was capable of carrying considerable weight.

"That's better than a boat," said Dick. "We can pile a good deal more
stuff on it."

"Let us get on and paddle to where we left the others," said Tom.
"They will be anxious to learn the news."

Captain Blossom was willing, and they took with them a variety of
provisions and also some extra clothing and some firearms. Then the
raft was moved to where the boys had left part of their own clothing
when they had started to swim the channel.

The coming of the big raft and its passengers to the shore where the
cabin was located was greeted with shouts of joy from Sam and the
three girls.

"Hurrah for the captain of the _Golden Wave_!" cried Sam, swinging his
cap in the air. "We are very glad to see you safe and sound."

"And I am glad to see you," answered Captain Blossom, as he leaped
ashore and grasped one and another by the hand. "Last night I was
thinking I would be a lonely castaway; now I find I shall have plenty
of company."

"We have brought along some provisions," put in Tom. "And in honor
of this reunion, and also in honor of the fact that the Golden 'Wave
has not been sunk, I move we invite the girls to get us up a regular
feast. I think all bands deserve it."

"Second the motion!" cried Sam.

"All right, we'll cook you anything you want," said Nellie. "That
is, if you will supply the things."

"I will," answered Tom. Then he scratched his head. "Well, by gracious!"

"What's the trouble, Tom?" asked Grace. "Did you forget to bring
along some sugar?"

"Worse than that. I brought along all sorts of good things to eat,
and not a single knife, fork, spoon, or dish outside of some cooking
utensils."

"Oh, dear!" burst out Dora. "It will be a sorry feast if we haven't
anything to eat from!"

"I'll go back for the dishes," replied Tom promptly. "Sam, do you
want to visit the wreck? We can go and come by the time the things
are cooked."

"To be sure I'll go," said Sam; and in a few minutes more the two
boys were off on the clumsy raft.




CHAPTER XVI

SAM AND THE SHARK

"The _Golden Wave_ looks like an old friend," said Sam as they paddled
across the smooth waters of the bay.

"Her coming here is the finest thing that could have happened,"
answered his brother. "I didn't want to say anything before, but if
she hadn't come what would we have done for clothing and for eating?
We couldn't live on fish all the time, and one can do mighty little
hunting without a gun."

"We would have had to set traps, Tom, and dig pitfalls for larger
game. But I admit it would have been hard work, and I fancy a suit
of goatskins, like Robinson Crusoe wore, wouldn't be half as comfortable
as a suit of clothes such as I am wearing."

"If we could only float the schooner and sail away to some nearby port."

"There is no port' within three hundred miles of us, so the captain
says."

Soon the boys were halfway across the bay. But moving the big raft
was a laborious task, and they were glad enough to sit down and rest
for a few minutes.

"There is no use of our hurrying," said Tom. "Our time is our own in
this out-of-the-way place, and as we have next to nothing to do we
want to make what little work there is last us."

"Like a lazy man working by the day," laughed Sam. "I'm afraid I
can't work that way. When I have something to do I'm not content
until it is done."

"Are you hot, Sam? Here is something to cool you off."

As Tom spoke he playfully scooped up a handful of water and threw it
at his brother.

Soon the two boys were having lots of sport, throwing handfuls of
the salty water at each other. Then Sam made a motion as if he was
going to push Tom overboard with his paddle.

"Hi! none of that!" cried Tom. "I don't mind a wetting by retail,
but I don't want it by wholesale."

He continued to throw water at Sam and the youngest Rover tried to
dodge. The raft began to rock, and of a sudden Sam lost his balance
and went into the bay with a splash.

Tom set up a laugh, for it was a comical sight, and it had been Sam's
own fault that he went overboard. But then Tom's laughter came to an
end as he saw the form of a shark moving swiftly toward the spot.

"A shark! a shark!" he screamed. "Sam, get on board, quick! A shark
is after you!"

Sam had gone far down beneath the surface and he did not reappear at
once. Then he came up spluttering.

"Gosh! I didn't want a bath! Tom, you--"

"Hurry and get aboard, Sam! A shark is after you!"

Sam was about ten feet from the raft, and running to the spot nearest
to him, Tom held out the end of his paddle.

"A shark?" gasped the youngest Rover.

"Yes! yes! Catch the end of the paddle!"

Sam made a frantic effort to do so. In the meantime the shark came
closer and Tom could see his enormous mouth and sharp teeth clearly.
His blood turned to ice in his veins.

Sam made a clutch at the paddle, missed it, and disappeared once more
from sight. The shark rushed to the spot and turned in dismay, and
driven to desperation, Tom hit the monster over the head with the
paddle. Then the shark disappeared also.

The next few seconds were full of agony for poor Tom. He gazed in
all directions for Sam, and for the shark, but neither one nor the
other was to be seen.

"He must have caught Sam under the water!" he muttered. "Oh, Sam,
what an awful death to die!"

A slight noise at the upper end of the raft disturbed him. He turned
swiftly, to see a wet hand glide over the woodwork. He made a leap
and clutched the hand, and then Sam's head appeared. He gave a frantic
yank, and both lay on the flooring of the raft. Sam was saved.

"The shark!" gasped Tom, when he could speak. "Did it--it--bite you?"

"No, but it grazed my shoulder," answered Sam. "If I had not dived
down, I would have lost an arm at the very least."

When they felt able they looked around, but the shark had disappeared.

"That settles it," said Tom. "We must be careful and keep out of this
water in the future. If we want to bathe, we will have to build a pool."

During the remainder of the trip to the wreck both were careful not
to run the slightest chance of falling overboard.

"Not such a very lovely place to live in, after all," said Tom.
"Snakes on land and sharks in the water, ugh!" And Sam agreed with him.

Once on the wreck it was an easy thing to obtain the dishes and the
knives, forks and spoons, and also some other things they thought
they might require. They also brought away another gun, loading it
up before leaving the ship.

"Now, if Mr. Shark comes around again, we can give him a dose of
buckshot," said' Tom.

But the shark did not appear, excepting at a great distance.

When Sam. told his story all congratulated him on his narrow escape.

"Tom is right," said old Jerry. "Ye mustn't do no bathin' in the bay.
We can fix two pools, one for the ladies and one for ourselves, and
make another pool for fish, and another for turtles, if we can find any."

The girls had cooked a splendid meal, and soon the table was set on
a big flat rock lying near the beach. All sat down and Captain Blossom
asked a blessing, and then they all fell to with vigor, for all were
hungry.

"The salt air gives one an appetite," said Dick.

The meal lasted the best part of an hour, for, as Tom said, there
was no use of hurrying. As they ate, and for some time afterward,
they discussed their situation and tried to arrange plans for the future.

It was decided that first of all Dick and old Jerry should climb to
the top of the hill, taking with them an ax and a flag and some
halyards, and fasten the flag to the top of the tree, stars down, as
a signal of distress. Then the whole party was to assist in bringing
from the wreck as much building material as was necessary to construct
a comfortable dwelling of three large rooms, one for the girls, one
for the boys and men, and one as a general living room. A store-house
was also to be built, in which could be stored such provisions as
were brought away from the wreck from time to time. Then they could
live on shore or on the ship, as they pleased.

The following day was Sunday and all rested. The girls thought there
should be some sort of religious exercises and all went to the wreck,
where Captain Blossom read some chapters from the Bible and the others
sang hymns.

The week to follow was a busy one and the time slipped by rapidly.
A visit was paid to the hilltop and the flag raised, and Tom and old
Jerry also went to the north shore and brought around the rowboat
beached there. In the meantime Captain Blossom put together the
rowboat parts stored on the _Golden Wave_, so they now had two boats
and the raft for service across the bay and to other points on the water.

Building the house was by no means an easy task, but the Rover boys
thought it more fun than work, especially with the girls to look on,
and by the end of the second week the building looked quite presentable.
When the two bedrooms were finished, some berths were brought over
from the wreck, along with bed-clothing, and also some furniture for
the living apartment. Outside the latter room a large porch was built,
where they might eat and rest when the weather was fine. Not to run
the risk of burning down the building in a high wind, it was decided
that the cooking should be done in a shed some distance away, in the
shelter of the rocks and handy to the spring.

"Who is going to be the cook?" asked Dick. "It won't be fair to put
it off on one person."

"We have decided to take turns," said Dora. "Each one will be the
main cook for a day at a time, with the others to help, and to wash
the dishes. We are going to do all the housework, too, so you men
folks can hunt and fish, and make garden if you will, to your hearts'
content."

"What a lazy time we will have of it," laughed Dick.

"Captain Blossom says that as soon as we are settled we can explore
all of the seven islands. Who knows we may find out something of
importance," came from Tom, who stood near.

"Cannibals, for instance," put in Sam.

"Oh, do you really think there are any cannibals here?" asked Grace.

"I believe he is fooling," said Nellie. "He only wants to scare us!"
And she tossed her pretty head.

"Perhaps we'll stir up some lions or tigers," said Tom.

"Or an elephant," added Dick. "But I don't think we will. My opinion
is that these islands have nothing on them but birds, monkeys, small
game, and snakes."

"You've forgotten one thing," said Dora, with an odd smile.

"What, Dora?"

"Castaways."




CHAPTER XVII

EXPLORING THE SEVEN ISLANDS


Another rainy spell, lasting three days, followed, but after that
the sky cleared in a fashion which Captain Blossom thought betokened
good weather for some time to come.

"We can now explore the seven islands and learn just what they
contain," he said.

The question now arose as to who should go along and who should stay
at home with the girls. Lots were cast, and by this it was decided
that the exploring party should consist of Captain Blossom, Sam, and
Tom, leaving Dick and old Jerry with Dora, Nellie, and Grace.

It was decided that the exploring party should take the lightest of
the rowboats and enough provisions to last for a week. Each was also
provided with a pistol, and Captain Blossom carried a rifle in addition.

"If all goes well we will be back inside of four days," said the
captain, when he and Tom and Sam were ready to depart. "But if we
are not back at that time do not worry until at least a week has gone
by." And so it was arranged. It was also arranged that three shots
fired in succession should be a signal that one party or the other
was in trouble.

Tom and Sam were pleased over the prospect of going with the captain
and they willingly took up the oars to row to the nearest island,
which, as we already know, was close at hand. The boat was left on
the beach and without delay the captain and the two boys plunged into
the interior.

The island was small, with but a slight rise of ground in the center.
It was of small importance and they soon came out on the ocean side,
where there was a beach strewn with shells and with oysters scarcely
fit to eat. The growth on this island was mostly of young palms and
the captain was of the opinion that the ground was not many years old.

"This has been thrown up by an earthquake or a volcano," he said.
"There is nothing here to interest us," and he turned back.

They already knew something of the island on which the wreck was
located, but, nevertheless, made a trip across it and up the outward
coast. Here they found a number of orange and lemon trees, and also
a great quantity of tropical nuts and some spices. The lemons proved
to be very refreshing, and Tom said he meant to come back some day
and get a bagful for general use.