Building the house was by no means an easy task, but the Rover boys thought it more fun than work, especially with the girls to look on, and by the end of the second week the building looked quite presentable. When the two bedrooms were finished, some berths were brought over from the wreck, along with bed-clothing, and also some furniture for the living apartment. Outside the latter room a large porch was built, where they might eat and rest when the weather was fine. Not to run the risk of burning down the building in a high wind, it was decided that the cooking should be done in a shed some distance away, in the shelter of the rocks and handy to the spring.
"Who is going to be the cook?" asked Dick. "It won't be fair to put it off on one person."
"We have decided to take turns," said Dora. "Each one will be the main cook for a day at a time, with the others to help, and to wash the dishes. We are going to do all the housework, too, so you men folks can hunt and fish, and make garden if you will, to your hearts' content."
"What a lazy time we will have of it," laughed Dick.
"Captain Blossom says that as soon as we are settled we can explore all of the seven islands. Who knows we may find out something of importance," came from Tom, who stood near.
"Cannibals, for instance," put in Sam.
"Oh, do you really think there are any cannibals here?" asked Grace.
"I believe he is fooling," said Nellie. "He only wants to scare us!"
And she tossed her pretty head.
"Perhaps we'll stir up some lions or tigers," said Tom.
"Or an elephant," added Dick. "But I don't think we will. My opinion is that these islands have nothing on them but birds, monkeys, small game, and snakes."