In fact, it was a true coral island, built entirely by the coral insects. Sand had been washed upon the coral reefs by the sea until the soil was raised slightly above the surface of the water. Birds had brought and dropped seeds of tropical plants here. The waves had washed ashore logs and other refuse to decay and aid in forming a crust of friable soil.
Thus, in thousands and thousands of years, had grown up the island. Ruth had told Tess and Dot all about the formation of such bits of land, and the little girls had been much interested in the story. Now, in the fast-dimming evening light, they watched the green and white edge of the little island the boat was approaching with some uncertainty in the mind of Tess as well as of Dot.
If they did bump into that island what was in store for them?
“I—I guess,” said Tess, finally, “we’d better go downstairs into the cabin and go to bed; and—and—let her bump.”
CHAPTER XIX—THE RAFT
With the night shut down upon Palm Island and the sea there was absolutely no use in the anxious party standing longer at the inlet, out of which the Isobel had drifted, carrying the two little girls. Even Ruth recognized the futility of remaining longer on the shore.
Neale hurried ahead to the camp and started a fire. They had plenty of thoroughly seasoned driftwood, and when the flames began licking about the broken chunks their hues of green, amber, and pink were very pretty. To-night, however, even Agnes did not exclaim over the delicate beauty of the flames.
The party ate what Neale and the girls prepared, and there was very little said among the quintette. Agnes frequently went to Ruth and put her arms about her. The younger sister felt so sorry for the older that she almost forgot her own anxiety for the safety of the little girls.
Mr. Howbridge could say nothing to aid Ruth or the others or to make them feel more cheerful. The absence of Tess and Dot was a thing that could not be lessened by any further talk. Even now, in the pitch darkness of the tropical night, the Isobel might have come to grief and the children be cast into the sea.
These thoughts were so bitter that occasionally the lawyer groaned aloud. Luke, clinging to one of Ruth’s hands, felt the girl tremble every time her guardian gave voice to his bitter feelings. Agnes sobbed now and then convulsively. And for once Neale could find no silver lining to this cloud of trouble.