And Now for the Third Island!
The children were very glad that the seaplane had gone. "It's a jolly good thing our signal was taken down before it flew over the island," said Andy, eating the food that the others had brought to him. "I couldn't warn you. It started up its engine all of a sudden, taxied over the smooth water there, and then rose into the air."
"Andy, do you think there's anything to be seen over on the other islands?" asked Tom.
"There may be," said Andy, "I think we ought to try and find out. That third island looks a peculiar shape to me—very long indeed, but very narrow. On the other side of it might be a fine natural harbour for seaplanes. There may be heaps there."
"Well, we've only heard one so far," said Tom. "It doesn't seem as if they're very busy, if there are lots over there."
"No—you're right, Tom," said Andy. "Well, what about going to see what we can find? I don't quite know how we'll get to the third island—have to swim. I think. I don't believe the girls could swim so far, though."
"I don't think I could," said Jill, remembering the long stretch of sea between the second and third islands. "You boys would have to go without us. Mary and I will stay behind and be as patient as we can."
"Shall we go to-morrow?" asked Tom eagerly. "We could cross to the second island at low tide in the morning and swim across to the third island. We could carry a little food with us, wrapped up in your oilskin."
"Yes—we'lldo mat," said Andy. A great feeling of excitement came over the children—a feeling as if some big unknown secret was going to be theirs. Jill shivered a little—it was almost too exciting.
"There's one thing I'm worried about" said Andy. "Just suppose we are discovered, by any chance—we must find some hiding-place."