The raft was dragged right down to the sea. In the middle of it Andy fixed the post that was to be the mast. He rigged up the old sail very cleverly. The box of food was firm below the mast—they had enough to last them for some days. They took a big tin of water with them too, but expected to use the juice of the tins of fruit to quench their thirst after they had drunk all the water.
Andy had made two rough paddles to help the boat along and to guide it. The girls handed the boys the two warmest rugs to wrap themselves in at night, though Andy said they wouldn't be any use—they would get wet with the very first wave that splashed over the raft! But to please the girls he took the rugs.
"Andy, you can dry them in the sun in the daytime," said Jill, "and you might be glad of them. Mary and I have got plenty here."
The raft was ready to float off at last. The boys gave the girls a hug and said good-bye.
"Now don't worry," said Andy, jumping on to the raft. "You won't hear for days and days, because we've got to get back home, and then tell our tale and then ships have got to find their way here. So you'll have to wait a long time."
"What shall we say if the enemy want to know where you are?" asked Jill anxiously.
"Just say we have disappeared," said Andy. "And if you like to do another bit of pretending and make a fuss—well, do it!"
"All right," said Jill. "Anyway, you may be quite sure we shan't tell them you've gone off on a raft»
"No—we don't want their seaplanes hunting the sea for us!" said Andy, letting the sail unfurl. "Now—good-bye, Jill! Good-bye, Mary! See you soon!"
"Good-bye, Andy! Good-bye, Tom!" cried the girls, trying to smile cheerfully, though they felt very miserable and lonely to see the boys setting off together. "Good luck!"