This decision afforded Ned no slight amount of satisfaction, for, even though he would not have envied them the possession of a full two-thirds, he felt very much relieved in mind when they refused to allow him to share the treasure with them.
But little time was spent over the matter, however. All hands were so sleepy that even in the midst of quite a heated argument one after another fell asleep until the camp was in a state of complete repose.
The sea, which had been so cruel to two of them a few hours previous, now sang the softest lullaby, and the stars twinkled above them as if their faces had never been hidden by the angry storm clouds which sent the wind and rain to overwhelm travelers upon the ocean.
CHAPTER IX.
GHASTLY VISITORS.
On the next morning work was resumed upon the wreck, and, following Ned’s suggestion, the party made a proper division of time, during which certain tasks were to be performed.
Seven o’clock was the hour set for Vance and Ned to begin whatever task might be the most important; but Roy would not join them for an hour later, in consideration of the fact that he, as cook, had been at work fully sixty minutes before the others.
In order that dinner might be ready at a regular time, Roy was to cease all outside labor an hour before noon, and remain in camp an hour later than his friends in order to set the “house” to rights generally. At night he would return from wherever the others might be toiling an hour sooner than either of his companions, and both were to assist in washing the dishes used at supper.
By this division of labor it was certain there could be no complaint that one was doing more than another, and regularity of movements would be insured.
The work of wrecking was continued in a more workmanlike fashion, thanks also to Ned.
He rigged a tackle to one of the short masts, and by such means the goods could be hoisted out of the hold with a great deal less exertion than was necessary in pushing and pulling by hand.