“Hookey!� he exclaimed, “I know how I can get to the top of that plateau and fool Terrill and all that gang. If the food problem were settled I’d do it as soon as possible.�
He looked seaward. To his surprise, within the few minutes that he had been staring at the whale boat, a new object had floated into view. It was a small boat bobbing up and down on the tiny waves, for the sea was very calm.
“Well, that’s queer,� thought Jack, “looks like one of the Morning Star’s boats, too. And she’s loaded with something. I guess I’ll row out and take a look at her.�
He roused Raynor and soon the two boys, in the boat they had landed in the day before, were rowing off to the strange craft. In a short time they were alongside. Nailed to the bow was a scrap of paper. On it was writing. But it was a hard hand to decipher. Finally, however, Jack made it out.
“It’s from Pompey, that good old black soul,� he cried. “He says he can’t bear to think of us starving, so he stole some food while the crew was carousing, and two kegs of water, and put them in this boat, which lay alongside. He says that he overheard the mate saying that there was a strong current all around the island so that he hopes the boat will drift round our way.�
“Good for him,� cried Raynor. “He’s got a real white heart, if his skin is black. See here, Jack, hams, potatoes, onions, all kinds of canned stuff. Why, he must have made a terrible raid on the provisions.�
“I hope he doesn’t get into trouble,� said Jack soberly, as he made fast a rope to the other boat and the boys towed it ashore. A hearty breakfast was enjoyed by all. The more so because it was unexpected. After the meal was over, Jack had an announcement to make.
“Folks,� he said, “one of our problems is solved. But we have still another on our hands. We cannot leave the island until we regain possession of the schooner. Has anyone any suggestions to offer?�
None had just then except Uncle Toby, whose lips moved and head wagged, but only inarticulate sounds came forth.
“Then I declare this meeting adjourned,� said Jack. “Come on,� he added to Raynor, “we’ve got a lot of work on.�