“A sailing vessel of some sort,” answered Dave, and he wondered if it could be the Golden Eagle, coming back after the storm.
“Maybe it’s the ship that was coming back for those Englishmen,” went on Merwell, for Dave had told him about the men. He heaved a mountainous sigh as he realized how affairs had turned against him. For a moment he thought of running away and trying to find Jasniff, but then the darkness and loneliness of the forest appalled him. He felt that he would rather be a prisoner than be alone in such a spot.
Dave watched the waving light for some time, as it rose and fell on the bosom of the ocean, but could learn nothing concerning the craft that showed it. Then he continued to look around the island. No campfire was to be located, and finally he rejoined Merwell.
“The light on that ship was all I saw,” he said. “Perhaps it might pay to walk down to the shore in that direction. But it is a long distance, and in the darkness we might fall into another of the caves.”
“Let us stay here,” answered Merwell.
“It will probably be as well. We can build a campfire and dry our clothing and then go to bed.”
“Wish I had something to eat,” grumbled the lad who had been caught.
“So do I, Link. But we haven’t anything, so we’ll have to make the best of it. Try to find some firewood. Luckily I have a waterproof matchsafe along and it is full of matches,” added our hero.
Fate was kinder to them than they had expected, for in hunting for firewood, Merwell found a hole containing what they took to be native hares. He killed two of the creatures, and at once set to work to clean and skin them. Then, when Dave had started the fire, the game was broiled while the boys had their clothing drying.
“Not much of a meal, but better than nothing,” said Merwell, and our hero agreed with him. They found some water in a hollow of the rocks, left there by the hurricane, and had a drink, after which both lay down to rest.