"Anything is better than to remain out on this dreary waste of waters," answered Mr. Carr.
The castaways turned their boat in the direction of the distant object. It was further off than they had anticipated, and as they slowly approached they made out a long, low-lying island, covered with bushes and grass. Over the island hovered myriads of birds.
"An island!" cried Bob. "Now we can go ashore anyhow!"
"Not much of a place, I am afraid," answered Captain Spark, slowly taking in the spot from end to end with his sharp eyes.
"Well, it's better nor nuthin," came from Tim Flynn. "Sure, an' some av thim burds will make good eatin', so they will!"
"We want to be careful how we go ashore," cautioned the captain.
"We don't want to damage our boat."
They approached the new land cautiously. The water all around it seemed to be deep, so there was no danger of striking a hidden reef.
Presently the captain espied a sandy beach, and straight for this the craft was headed. As the boat struck, Bob, Tim and Ned leaped out, followed by Mr. Carr, and, aided by the swells, pulled her well up.
"Am I—er—to get out?" asked Mr. Tarbill timidly.
"As you please," answered Captain Spark, grimly. "I am going ashore."