How long they remained on the shore in an apathy of despair not one of that party ever knew.
Jake was the first to arouse himself, and, understanding that work is the best remedy for mental troubles, he said, with a great effort to speak cheerily:
"See here, lads, this will never do if we want to get out of the scrape. We've got to stay here till the other boats come along, and it is necessary to make some preparations for living. The goods must be stowed where they won't be destroyed, an' there's plenty to keep us busy for the rest of this day."
"When do you think the other boats should arrive?" Neal asked.
Jake realized fully how slight were the chances that either of the crafts would come to that exact spot, even if they were all afloat; but he had no idea of adding to his companions' grief, therefore he replied:
"It may be forty-eight hours. You see some or all of them might have put out a sea anchor when it blew so hard, for they carried heavier loads than we did, and while layin' still we hummed right along, consequently its difficult tellin' when to expect 'em."
"Of course they are bound to land here?"
Jake hesitated only for an instant before he decided that under the circumstances a lie was absolutely necessary, and then replied positively:
"Of course. Where else would they come?"
"I was afraid there might have been some little difference in the steering."