“Give me time to think, and I will promise to tell you a tale which you never heard before,” said Aunt Clare.
“Very good,” growled Bulldog Bill. “Loose the prisoners’ bonds so that they can prepare our meal. But guard them well so that they cannot escape.”
Bloody Dick and Slippery Joe untied the prisoners’ hands, while the other pirates guarded the entrance of the cave.
“Now, then,” said the pirate captain, “we are hungry. Let us dine at once. Prisoners, prepare the food!”
“It is too early for luncheon,” said Mrs. Thornton. But the pirates began to clamor. Aunt Clare sided with them.
“Let them have their way,” she begged. “Hungry pirates are very dangerous! Besides, I confess that I am half starved myself.”
“Well, then, we must have a fire,” said Mrs. Thornton. “Who will gather wood for the fire?”
“Let the four youngest pirates do that,” said the captain. So Jane, Bill, Bob, and Rose went out to hunt for driftwood on the beach. Presently they were running in and out like ants, bringing it by armfuls.
“We must have water,” said Mrs. Thornton. “Who will go to the spring for it?”
“Let me go,” said Sue.