“I’m sure I don’t know,” Nelse replied, with a long-drawn sigh. “It is certain we couldn’t make our whereabouts known, and I’m inclined to think we’ve been more than foolish to come here.”
“We might leave now, and take our chances in the woods as Andy is doing.”
“How would you contrive to get out?”
“Gracious! I’d forgotten that we’re shut in here already,” Nelse exclaimed, and then he relapsed into silence, while Gil tried in vain to see some cheerful ray in the very disagreeable situation.
During the next half-hour nothing was said, and then one of the sailors spoke:
“Never mind what’s goin’ to happen, there’s no call for us to be hungry while there are so many oysters waitin’ to be invited to supper. Here goes for a couple of dozen. Can you boys open them?”
“I never tried, but this seems like a good time to begin,” Gil said, with a vain attempt to laugh.
“You’d make a poor fist if you’re green at the business. Set close, both of you, an’ I’ll engage to fill you up before startin’ in for myself.”
Speaking about food had caused the boys to remember that they were very hungry, and they accepted the generous proposition without delay.
It is certain that trouble seems less when viewed by one whose stomach is full, as Gil and Nelse soon learned. When the satisfactory meal was ended both ceased to think the situation so very desperate, and actually began to plan what steps should be taken to continue the search for the supposed treasure as soon as Captain Mansfield returned.