“When we leave here, it won’t be on the Nantucket, anyway,” said Jack.
“It is lucky this happened after we had brought our stock of provisions ashore,” said the mate.
“Let us go down and see what these kegs and boxes contain,” suggested Harry.
So the three descended to the reef, and began to examine the articles thrown ashore. For the most part they were of little value, though here and there were articles that might prove useful.
“Couldn’t we make a raft out of the timbers of the old ship?” asked Jack.
“That is worth thinking of, though a raft would not do for a long voyage,” said Holdfast. “No, but we might be picked up.”
“When the captain’s party is awake it will be well for us to haul the loose timbers up to a place of safety.”
“Here’s Clinton’s trunk,” said Harry, bending over and recognizing the initials. “Here is the name, ‘M. C., Brooklyn.’ He will be overjoyed. Suppose we take it up between us.”
No opposition being made by Mr. Holdfast, the boys took the trunk up between them, preceding the mate. They had just reached the summit of the bluff.
“Put down that trunk!” said a stern voice.