“I have captured some treasure,” said Tom, grinning. “Look here!” and he held up the box of candy.
“Candy!” A shout of joy arose, and the pirates surrounded him eagerly.
“It’s share alike,” said Tom. “I have eaten only one piece so far.”
“Oh, Tom! how good of you!” cried Rose. “It is real city candy and must have cost a lot of money. Did you buy it with your five dollars?”
“I know! I know!” shouted Kenneth. “He found the mosquito; didn’t you, Tom?”
Tom nodded. “Yes, I found him and got the prize.”
“What do you mean about a mosquito?” “Tell us about it!” begged the pirates. So they all sat down in a circle, each one munching a delicious bit of candy, while Tom told about Mr. Smith’s offer, which Charlie and Kenneth knew already.
“I believed that there wasn’t any use in trying,” said Kenneth. “You thought yourself that there wasn’t a single mosquito on the Island; didn’t you, Tom?”
“I know I thought so,” began Tom, “but”—He was interrupted by Susan.
“Oh, I know where he found it!” she said. “He went over to Mouse Island the other day. There are lots of mosquitoes there. He was all covered with bites when he came back.”