The next morning the boys were up betimes. The crew were all on the alert too, for a bonus of ten dollars had been offered to the first man who should sight Cedar Island. Suddenly, from forward, from a man perched high in the crosstrees, came a shout.
“Land ho!�
“Where away?� bawled Uncle Toby.
“To the northwest, sir. It’s an island. There’s something sticking up on it, sir.�
Captain Toby swarmed into the rigging, using his wooden leg as if it were a good one. He held his glasses to his eyes for a spell, and then turned with an excited look on his storm-beaten face.
“Cedar Island!� he shouted, and all along the decks the cry was taken up.
The boys gave a loud cheer. The excitement of the treasure hunt, although Jack believed it was a wild goose chase, had entered into their blood. Just at this moment, while his eyes were riveted on the tiny, almost invisible blob of land to the northwest, something made Jack turn. He saw Mr. Terrill saying something in a quick, low tone to Jarrow, the mate. The boy’s quick ears caught a part of what was said, and it confirmed his worst suspicions.
“Don’t forget our plan, Jarrow. How does the crew stand?�
“Oh, I’ve fixed them O.K.,� was the rejoinder, and then the voices sunk so low that the lad could hear no more.