“So am I, dear. Unless we tell them that we have friends and a motor-boat near——”
“But they will want to know why the motor-boat does not come after us. No. We must remain hidden.”
They dared not go back to their camp under the rock. The turtle catchers would of course find that retreat. But as long as they did not know that the campers were girls who were still on the island, Ruth hoped the fellows would make no search for them.
After a while Agnes tired of staying hidden in the jungle. Besides, the insects became very troublesome as the day grew warmer.
“And how do we know but Mr. Howbridge and the boys are trying to signal to us? At least, they may have found the children and be in sight again.”
“I really hope you will keep quiet, Agnes,” said the older girl. “I do not want to attract these men. They do look awfully rough.”
“I know!” sighed Agnes. “Do you suppose the turtle catchers will remain long?”
“I don’t know just how they follow their—their profession,” hesitated Ruth.
“Profession!” giggled Agnes.
“But they will probably remain here until they have made a complete haul of the turtles that come to this shore. I do not think any great numbers were here last night. Neale said something about the numbers fluctuating very much, did he not?”