The boats on the beach were refloated. The wounded and dead were placed in them, and all hands proceeded to rejoin their vessels, not one of the rescuers having been injured.
The anchors of both vessels were promptly cat-headed. The German boats were sunk, and the dead were buried at sea, so that they should not fall into the hands of the cannibals.
The cause of all the trouble was not far to seek. The wrecked crew, finding their supply of water running short, and unaware of the savage character of the islanders, had gone ashore to fill their casks, with the result described.
On reaching the 'Alert' Jack Clewlin expected nothing less than a severe reprimand from his captain. Of such, however, there was no sign, and the lad felt relieved. On the other hand, Readyman expressed strong approval of his conduct.
'You did quite right, my son,' he said. 'Act so, and never hang back from any duty. Make it a firm resolve always to be on the spot, or at the yardarm, when required, and even should you not know exactly how the work ought to be done, you will mostly find a good man alongside to show you.'
'I hope the captain is not angry,' Jack observed.
'Not he, lad. You needn't trouble about that. When you go wrong, he'll pretty soon pull you up all astanding.'
'The natives lost a number of men, Readyman; I saw several of them fall at the edge of the bush.'
'Sarve them right, Master Jack. They will know better next time. They couldn't have seen our vessels coming along, and so thought they had the game to themselves.'
Accompanied by the second mate, Jack presently regained his old place at the fore topmast head, and shortly after clearing the island he perceived a milky-hued patch of water right ahead.