“No less than three. I’ll mark out a course to each, and neither of them are so far from the shore but that we can visit all in half a day.”
At this moment Andy came from the galley on his way to the after pantry, and, motioning to Gil to do the same, Nelse followed him.
“Well, you see we went on shore and escaped being devoured by the voudoos,” he said, when all three entered the cabin.
“Don’t say nuffin ’bout it, honey,” the cook whispered, imploringly. “Dis yere schooner ain’t outer de reach ob dem debbils till she’s boun’ home.”
“Tell us what you did to protect yourself?” Gil asked. “We tried to get into the galley last night in order to learn the same thing, but you wouldn’t open the door.”
“You’se crazy, chile, ter tork so loud when we’se in dis yere place. I couldn’t tole yer nuffin ’bout it, kase den de charm would spile. Ef yer don’ go ashore ag’in there’s er chance ob gittin’ off wid our lives.”
“Then it is a charm you’ve got!” Nelse cried, gleefully. “Let us see it, Andy.”
“I’se done gone ’bliged to keep cl’ar ob you chillun ef dar’s any mo’ said ’bout it,” the cook replied, angrily. “We’se in a mighty bad scrape, an’ I’se got my han’s full takin’ keer ob Andy Storts widout tryin’ fur ter bring mo’ trubble by torkin’.”
This ended the conversation, so far as the old darky was concerned, for, after placing certain additional dishes on the table, he betook himself to the seclusion of his galley.
Mr. Jenkins could apparently think of nothing but the supposed treasure, and during a greater portion of the remainder of the day he pored over the rude chart, discussing with the boys the possibility that it might refer to some other island.