Biff and Derek stripped off their shirts. Shoes and socks followed. The boys dived over the side. Charlie Keene was right behind them. All three frolicked in the warm waters of the Caribbean for a while.
“All out,” Uncle Charlie ordered presently. “We’ve got work to do. Night’s coming on.”
The cruiser was secured. The dory was lowered and pulled up on the beach. Biff’s uncle remained in the cruiser. Derek took a position waist deep in the water halfway between the boat’s bow and the shore. Charlie passed gear to Derek. Derek handed it on to Biff on shore. The unloading went smoothly and quickly.
Next came the tent. It was set up. Cots were unfolded. A small table and three captain’s chairs were put into place.
“Scoop out a wide, shallow hole and line it with shells.” That was Uncle Charlie’s next order. He kept the boys hopping.
“We’ll put our stove in the shell-lined hole.” Charlie ripped open a carton containing a small two-burner propane stove and set it up.
“String up the lanterns, Biff. It’ll be dark soon.”
The job of setting up camp was completed just as the swift-falling night blanketed the tiny island with darkness.
“Everything look shipshape to you, skipper?” Biff asked his uncle.
Charlie Keene looked around.