Dinner, however, was the first thing to be thought about. That discussed, the boys left Toddie and Tip to clear up while they started work.
"The first thing, Friday," said Crusoe, "is to build a fire on the hillock. There is a lot of brushwood, so come on."
They gathered plenty of stuff, and heaped it up, all ready to light after nightfall, or rather in the gloaming; for the nights were now short, and unless boats were actually sent out to look for them there would be small chance of the fire attracting much attention. And smoke seen during the day by any passing ship or vessel would only be considered the work of some shepherd or tourist.
There was more wood down in the little bay that they had explored, but a fire there would not be easily seen; besides, even if seen, sailors or fishermen would put it down to kelp-making.
There was quite a wealth of wild flowers here also, many that even Fred had never seen before, so they culled great bouquets and, brought them back with them to Toddie, who at once set about decorating the yacht. This work kept the child busy, and Tip too, who took intense interest in all his little mistress did.
"Suppose, Friday," said Crusoe, "we inspect stores?"
"Suppose, massa," said Friday, "we read a book instead?"
"No, no, Friday boy. No laziness. Get up the stores at once."
So Friday obeyed, and Crusoe carefully counted all the eatables.
"We have enough to last us for over a week," was Crusoe's summing up.