"In first-class condition. Where is father?"
"On board the schooner. I will give the signal to let him know the crew of the yacht have all been saved."
As he spoke he discharged a revolver, and the waving of the flag told that the good news was understood.
"Not all, Mr. Walters, the three sailors in our boat were drowned while trying to land on this coast."
"It is too late now to rectify the mistake. I hoped when I saw so many that there had been no disaster."
By this time the little craft had been rowed around the point of the lagoon where it was possible to effect a landing without danger of being swamped, and the sailing master leaped ashore to welcome by hearty handshakes those whom he had feared were dead.
Cummings and Poyor were introduced, and then Neal asked:
"Where did you get the schooner?"
"Chartered her to hunt for you; but Mr. Emery shall tell the story. Will you come aboard now?"
"You are to go with us," Neal said, turning quickly toward Cummings.