“See, they are going to land in that cove by the hut, let’s hurry down there,� said Raynor. The two boys reached the beach just as the Morning Star’s boat grated on the sand.
“Jack!� cried Raynor, in a voice that shook a little as the young wireless lad leaped ashore.
“Well, old fellow, if it isn’t good to see you again. What a time we shall have talking over our adventures!� cried Jack, as the two wrung each other’s hands as if they never would stop.
But Uncle Toby interposed.
“Avast that! Bill Raynor,� he cried, “give me a shake of your flipper, shipmate. It’s glad I am to see you all sound and afloat and A. Number One at Lloyds.�
“Why, Uncle Toby!â€� exclaimed Raynor, who had met the old mariner many times on board the Venus, where he spent much time with Jack when ashore, “how are you? How did you get here? And Jack, what is he doing on board that schooner? I thought——â€�
“It’s a long story, boy, and we can talk better over some grub, I’m thinking. Shall we go back to the ship?�
“No; come up to the hut. I want to show you all how shipwrecked mariners live. Pompey will cook us up a fine breakfast. In the meantime, let me introduce Mr. Noddy Nipper, late of the Polly Ann.�
“And recent of Skull Island,� added Noddy.
“An’ this, gentleman all, is Mr. Terrill, my partner,� said Uncle Toby, waving toward that individual who, in the sunlight, looked yellower than ever.