“In that tall tree! Impossible.”
“Well, then, are there two parties of castaways?” demanded Agnes, rather crossly. “Everything I suggest you pick flaws in, Ruthie.”
But Ruth hugged her, and the younger sister returned her caress with real affection. Their trouble was too deep for them really to wrangle. The anxiety each felt drew them closer together.
If of late Agnes had felt herself shut away from Ruth’s closer confidence because of the older girl’s interest in Luke Shepard, this experience on the tropical island was renewing the sisters’ old-time contact and appreciation of each other. It was true Agnes was hoydenish at times, and loved to play with Neale O’Neil and the other boys; but she was growing older every day, too, and many of the secrets and interests of girlhood she could share only with Ruth.
“Cheer up!” she now exclaimed, wiping the tears from her sister’s eyes with the cleanest corner of her only handkerchief. “Surely we need not go through much more worriment. This situation is past being made any worse, that is sure.”
“I wish it may be so,” murmured Ruth.
“Of course it is. Things will take a turn. We’ll soon see the Isobel scooting around the end of that island and heading this way.”
But this much desired sight did not gladden their eyes. Even Ruth climbed to the palm tree to watch. And it was because the two girls remained up there that the final incident of their adventure on the island came to fruition. They were seen from the deck of the frowsy schooner!
They were startled by a raucous shout from the sea. Turning her glasses in that direction, Ruth beheld a ragamuffin sailor half way up the foremast of the turtle catcher waving his cap at them.
“Oh, Agnes, they have seen us!” gasped Ruth.