"If we'd anything to grow and any one to grow it for," said Cathie gloomily.
"We shall find some of them in the hills, I hope. Let us get on."
And presently there was a shout up above on the hillside, and there came down, at a pace that risked their necks, Jim Gregor of the Jean Arnot and young Irvine, who was on the Torch when last they heard of him.
They whooped with joy and shook hands a dozen times with Blair and Cathie, and were quite incoherent for many minutes.
"We're right glad to see you, boys," said Blair, when they calmed down. "Are there any more up there?"
"Three more Torches, sir, and half a dozen Bonitas, and about a dozen islanders, men and women, and a couple of children. Have you got anything to eat?"
"Yes. Go on to the water-wheel. You'll find food there. Where are these others?"
"Right by yon rock. We'll go back with you. Some of them are badly bashed and can't walk without help."
So they all climbed up, and came on the forlorn little company crouching by the rock, and gave them new life by the very sight of them.
The sailors plucked up heart at once, but the brown men were very subdued and silent. Their eyes were still wide with terror when at last they sat under the southern ridge and ate the food Jean and Aunt Jannet found for them, supplemented by coco-nuts and bruised fruit from the beach.