The boys climbed up the cliff and came to the rocky ledge. The girls fell on them and hugged them like bears, they were so relieved to see them.
"The boat! Where did you get the boat?" cried Jill.
"What did you see? What did you find?" cried Mary.
"We'll tell you all about it," said Andy, and the four of them sat close together on the cold, windy ledge, quite forgetful of the chilly breeze, talking and listening eagerly. The girls could hardly believe the boys' story. It seemed quite impossible.
"And now that we've got a boat, we'll fill. It full of food and water, and see if we can get home," said Andy. "It's the only thing we can do—and we must do it."
"But, Andy." said Jill, "just suppose the enemy see their boat is missing—won't they take alarm and search the islands?"
"Yes—they certainly will," said Andy. "And so we must start to-morrow. We will have a good sleep to-night—take plenty of food from the cave—and see if we can make for home."
"If only we can get away before the enemy finds that boat is missing!" said Tom. "Oh, do you suppose we shall?"