And the young wreckers soon learned that Roy was correct.
The sun had been behind the sea fully an hour before the last package was sheltered from the weather and the labor of getting supper could be begun.
It had been unnecessary to light the lanterns in order to finish the job. There was not a cloud in the sky, and the stars gave sufficient light to enable them to see their way to and fro from the beach to the tent.
Both Ned and Vance assisted the cook in preparing the evening meal, and what a delicious sense of comfort was theirs when, supper having been eaten, all three lay on the soft beds where they could look out over the ocean!
“For shipwrecked mariners I think we’re fixed mighty well,” Vance said dreamily. “We’ve got as good a shelter as could be asked for in this climate, plenty of water, provisions enough to last several months with economy, a supply of fish whenever we feel disposed for such food, and a bank on which to draw for what gold and silver we need to pay with.”
“Don’t count too much on that, for your checks might not be honored,” Roy replied with a laugh. “Say, are we going to leave Ned’s treasure out of doors all the time?”
“Certainly not. It must be hidden in the store-tent to-morrow.
“Why do you call it mine?” Ned asked. “I’m livin’ on the stuff brought by you fellows, an’ it’s only right we should divide the dollars as well.”
“I don’t think that would be fair,” Roy replied. “If we find any more it’ll be the square thing to whack up even, but the pile near the fire belongs to you entirely.”
“That’s so,” Vance added, and although Ned insisted he should divide it, his companions stated positively that they would not take a single dollar.