“Now, this is what I call comfort,” the marooned boy said when he had rather more than satisfied his hunger, and the sun came out from behind the clouds, thus giving them an opportunity of drying their clothing. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a little sleep; I didn’t close my eyes once last night, except when the sand was flying so thick that it was necessary.”
“Neither did we,” Roy replied, “and I’d like a nap this minute, but I don’t think we can afford the time just now. We ought to get at least one tent up before dark.”
Ned was by no means a lazy fellow, and thinking it incumbent to do the largest share of the work since his new acquaintances were supplying all the provisions and comforts of life, he leaped to his feet at once.
Vance went aboard the wreck with him, and in less than an hour they had on shore the sails, tools with which to do the necessary labor, and an additional supply of food.
Bedding sufficient for the party was the last on the list, and after this had been procured the boys began the work of hut-building.
His previous experience had taught Ned how essential it was to secure everything in such a manner that it could not be blown away, and the tent which was to be used as a sleeping apartment was erected in a workmanlike fashion.
Two trees growing at the desired distance apart, near the spot where the silver was buried, served as the uprights for the ends of the camp, and to these a ridge-pole was lashed firmly.
Across it was spread the largest sail, and the edges pegged down until one would have said a hurricane could hardly make any impression upon it.
The ends might be closed with blankets, or sail-cloth if necessary, but owing to the warm climate it was not thought advisable to shut themselves out from a plentiful supply of fresh air until a storm should render it imperative.
It was nearly nightfall when this work had been completed to the satisfaction of all hands, and then Vance went on the wreck once more for lanterns.