"Do you think they will come for us? If not, we can put off in our boat."
"I think the party that planted that flagstaff hasn't got back. It is exploring the island, and will be back soon."
"Of course it is," said Robert, suddenly. "Don't you see their boat?"
"Ay, ay, lad; it's all right. All we've got to do is to stay here till they come."
They had not long to wait. A party of sailors, headed by an officer, came out of the woods, and headed for the shore. They stopped short in surprise at the sight of Robert and Bates.
"Who are you?" asked the leader, approaching.
Bates touched his hat, for he judged this was the captain of the vessel he had seen.
"I am a sailor from the ship Argonaut, bound from New York to Calcutta, and this young gentleman is Robert Rushton, passenger aboard the same ship."
"Where is your ship?"
"I don't know, captain."