“What vessel is this?” asked one of the officers, as soon as he had found out who the party were; and when told he said that the Coryanda had been reported water-logged and about to sink two weeks before.
“She belongs to two scientists from Baltimore,” he said. “They had a valuable collection of wild animals, snakes and birds on board.”
“So they did!” answered Jack. “And, believe me, we had some fun with those creatures! A few of them are dead, and the rest of them were either drowned or escaped to this island.” And then he and his cousins and the old tar told their story.
“Did those two men, Jackson and Borderwell, who were in the hydroplane and flew over the wreck, notify you?” questioned Jack, curiously.
“They did,” answered the leading officer. “They were sent out on a scouting expedition,” he explained. “After such storms as we have had lately we often find wrecks floating around in this vicinity.”
“Well, those men certainly deserve our thanks,” put in Randy, and the other boys and Ira Small agreed with him.
Many of the things of value on the wreck were taken to the cruiser, and then the boys and the old tar went on board. The cruiser was from Porto Rico, but was bound for Norfolk, for which the boys were thankful.
“Well, it’s good-bye to the island!” cried Jack, as they steamed away.
“Yes, and good-bye to whatever of the wild animals and snakes are left!”
“Gee! what of the monkeys we left tied up?” questioned Jack, suddenly.