"Oh, has it wet the food?"
"Yes—soaked it!" called Tom. "But never mind-it's all in tins, Jill."
They got back to their little hut at last and all-of mem were delighted to see it. It really seemed like coming home.
They sat down on their beds, tired out. But Tom was not going to bed without his supper. He wanted hot soup, more tongue, and a tin of peaches. So the stove had to be lighted, and Tom was sent to fill the kettle.
All the children enjoyed the meal, although they were so sleepy they could hardly bother to clear up afterwards. The first stars were in the sky as they flung themselves on their beds.
"It's awfully early to go to bed," murmured Jill sleepily. "Buff can't keep awake another minute!"
And she fell asleep at once. So did Mary. Tom blew out the stove and lay down too. Andy sat up for a while, looking out towards the second island and wondering about a lot of things.
Then he too lay down and fell asleep—but not for long!
A strange and curious noise awoke him. It came into his dreams, startled him and roused him so that he sat up, puzzled and alarmed.
"Tom! Wake up!" said Andy. "Listen to this noise. What is it?"