“Don’t you think it is necessary to stand watch?” Gil asked.
“Andy and I will attend to that business.”
“But we ought to do our share.”
“If we are here to-morrow night, you shall take your turn at it; but just at this time it is important to keep a sharp lookout, and, tired as you boys are, I wouldn’t like to trust the matter in your hands.”
“You needn’t be afraid of our going to sleep when it is necessary to keep awake.”
“There are some things a fellow can’t prevent, no matter how good his intentions may be, so we won’t waste any more time in a discussion.”
Jenkins spoke in such a decided tone that the boys understood it would be useless to continue the conversation, and in a very few moments both were sleeping soundly, while the mate and Andy stood most vigilant guard.
Several times during the night the rustling of the leaves or soughing of the wind caused the watchers to make short excursions from the camping-place to learn if the enemy were in the vicinity; but nothing of an alarming nature was discovered, and when Gil and Nelse awakened the general condition of affairs was such as to give them renewed courage.
The windstorm had cleared away, the sun was shining brightly in an unclouded sky, and the morning breeze was sufficiently strong to admit of the yacht’s working her way up the coast.
“Father should be here before sunset!” cried Gil, as he sprang to his feet.