"Hope you may die, cross your heart, and all the rest of it," said Rex, cheerfully. "I put you all on honor. It may be an awful strain; but they say a singed cat is often better than it looks. We're to camp where we choose, and let you alone. You fellows ditto with us. Is it agreed?"
"Come along," invited the black-haired chap. "You needn't waste so much breath over it."
Rex looked inquiringly at the others. Kirby, Ben and Pudge nodded. But it was noticeable that the Indian youth made no sign of acquiescence.
CHAPTER IX.
A CHALLENGE.
They chose a pretty cove, half way along the northern shore of the island, where there was a little beach but where the water deepened quickly so that the Spoondrift could be moored inshore. With her centerboard raised, her draught was small.
"We should have a tender, King, just as I said," Red Phillips declared. "What's the good of a fellow getting wet to his waist every time he wants to 'board ship?"
"Hold your horses, you scarlet pimpernel," requested Rex. "Maybe this isn't the only water vehicle we'll have. The summer's young yet."
"And you're fresh," growled Red. "Pimpernel, indeed! I'm a healthy looking roadside flower."
"We might have kept one of those canoes," suggested Peewee, with one of his impish grins.