“O, they’ll get one.”
“And meanwhile we must act for ourselves; for I don’t believe they’ll get one to-day, at any rate.”
“Yes, we may as well prepare for an expedition along the coast.”
“Shall we separate, or go together?”
“O, together, by all means. But, hallo! what’s that?”
At this exclamation from Bart, all looked where his eyes were turned.
“A schooner!” they cried; “a schooner! There they come! Hurrah, boys! we’re all right.” Instantly every one sprang to his feet. “Come, boys, take off your shirts,” said Bruce, as he pulled off his own. “Let’s get ready a supply of red bunting to make signals to them.” Instantly all of them tore off their shirts, and waved them wildly from the top of the bank.
Yes, it was a schooner. It had come thus suddenly upon them as they were talking; and even though they had been on the constant lookout, yet its appearance had startled them all. It was twice as large as the Antelope, of a bright green color; its masts were yellow, and its sails beautifully neat. Spreading its snow-white wings to the breeze, it came bounding over the waves from behind the headland, and directed its course in toward the shore.
“She’s not heading for us at all,” said Bruce. “If she keeps on in that direction, she’ll be a mile down beyond us before we know it.”
“She don’t see us,” said Bart.