“Well, now that you have been undeceived, what do you propose to do about it?”
“Turn in as soon as we hide this stuff somewhere.”
The question of where the money should be concealed was not easily settled.
Ned proposed that it be stored with the goods in the cook-tent, but neither Vance nor Roy would agree to anything of the kind.
Although there was not a living being on the island except themselves, it did not seem safe to leave so much wealth lying around loose, and Vance actually appeared afraid some portion of it might be spirited away.
He suggested that the bags be placed under the mattresses, and this plan was tried, but only to be rejected, for although it is pleasant to have a great many dollars, it is not comfortable to lie on them, and the possession of the treasure promised to deprive the boys of no little amount of sleep.
It was nearly ten o’clock when the matter was finally settled by depositing the silver in a tool chest which had been brought ashore from the yacht, and then the castaways were able to gain the necessary rest.
Two more days were spent in wrecking, and by the end of that time everything worth saving, except the machinery, had been brought ashore.
The store-tent was well filled, and it was so difficult to find any particular article which might be needed that Roy insisted one day should be devoted to repacking the goods in such a manner that they could find what might chance to be needed without being forced to overhaul the entire stock.
Thus another day went by without their searching for more treasure or making any progress toward regaining the mainland.