Terry explained to the chief what she wanted to do. They must put up some sort of signal so that Allan and Syd, their friends, would see it if they flew over the island.
“If only we had some white cloth,” said Prim. “We could put out one of those signals we talked about once, a big letter T, on the top of a ridge. I’m sure the boys would understand that.”
“They might if we had cloth to do it with, but we haven’t. So that’s out!” answered Terry.
Pedro had risen suddenly. He understood. He called to his wife and spoke to her in their own language. Rosa bobbed into her hut as fast as she could and in a few minutes returned bringing a roll of white goods which she presented to the girls.
At that moment a sharp whistle broke the quiet of the jungle village with a discordant note. Pedro jumped to his feet and the next moment Rosa was shoving the girls before her into the hut. Someone was coming! The whistle was a warning from one of the boys who was guarding the village.
When Joe Arnold strode into the settlement a few minutes later, Rosa was busily plaiting a mat. All the women were at work and scarcely looked up as the man faced Pedro.
“You lazy good-for-nothing! Get back to work! This is my busiest day and you lay off! The men won’t work unless you’re there!”
Pedro knew that this was no time to show fight. “Yes sir! I come by-em-by,” he answered.
“Now!” shouted Joe. Then he turned with a menacing glare at Rosa. “Did those girls sleep here last night?” He shook his fist at the woman.
Rosa jabbered in reply and looked bewildered, so Joe turned to Pedro and repeated the question.