"Let me see it."
Captain Spark took the compass and examined it with care. It was small, but of good manufacture, and looked as if it might point true.
"Not near as good as the one we lost," he said to Mr. Carr. "But it is better than nothing."
"Indeed it is," was the reply.
"I thought that was a locket," said Bob. "I noticed it on the watch chain several times."
"It was given to me by my uncle, years ago," said Mr. Tarbill.
"Please don't lose it."
"I'll keep it safe, don't fear," answered the captain. "Reckon it is safer in my keepin' than yours," he added.
With the discovery of the tiny compass the hopes of the castaways revived. All felt that it would be a waste of time to remain on the small island, and accordingly preparations were made to leave on the following morning. To add to their stock of provisions the men and Bob brought down a large quantity of birds and also caught a lot of fish, and these were broiled and cooked, to keep them from spoiling. They also got what water they could and stored it in a cask, and Bob picked a capful of berries.
"Some of the parrots are beautiful," said the boy to the captain. "If I was sure of getting home again I'd like to take some of the feathers along, for my mother's hat."
"Better not bother, Bob."