CHAPTER XXIX: OFF FOR SKULL ISLAND.
So far as Jack could judge, his uncle had fallen under the influence of the man, Terrill, to a considerable extent. This was shown when the boy broached the subject of making a stop at Skull Island to pick up the castaways.
“I don’t see how we can do that,� declared Terrill, “we lost several weeks’ time since the start repairing our schooner, the Morning Star; she sprung a leak and we had to put into Portland, Maine, for repairs.�
“Oh! I wondered why you were so long in getting this far north,� said Jack, “but, uncle, if you’ll give me the chart I’ll show you your direct course for Skull Island.�
“Those persons can get off without our aid,� demurred Terrill. “They have plenty of food and water and the Thespis knows of their plight. Depend upon it, they will be rescued without our making any more delays. My business suffers all the time I am away.�
Jack ignored him and turned to his uncle.
“Uncle Toby, you are the sailing master of the Morning Star?�
“Yes—er—that is Mr. Terrill—yes, decidedly so, my lad. What’s in the wind?â€�
“I want you to shape a course for Skull Island. It won’t delay you more than a few hours. It’s your bounden duty as a seaman to go to the aid of distressed mariners.�
“Um—er—that’s so, Mr. Terrill, you know,â€� stuttered Uncle Toby with a look at the other, who as drumming his long, bony fingers on the table in a devil’s tattoo.