“Unless,” said the other sailor, “the water is shallower than we know anything about and Captain Ward isn’t taking any chances. He may want to get a mile or two away from the sand bar.”
“Maybe,” said Mr. Brown. But while they waited and anxiously watched, the Beacon steamed farther and farther off until it was plain that she was not going to stop.
“They have gone away and deserted us!” exclaimed Mrs. Brown. “What are we going to do?”
“What are we going to do?” repeated her husband quickly. “Why, we are going back and camp on Cocoanut Island and have a regular picnic until the ship comes back for us! That’s what we’re going to do!” he said.
“Hurray!” cried Bunny Brown. “We’ll camp on Cocoanut Island and have lots of fun!”
“Hurray!” echoed Sister Sue.
In a low voice Mr. Brown said to his wife:
“Don’t let the children see that you are worried. I don’t know why the ship has gone and left us, but I know she will come back. We mustn’t frighten the children.”
“No; you’re right,” answered his wife. “I’m sorry I let myself show worry. I’m sure it will be all right. As you say, we mustn’t let the children know.”
So, pretending that it was all a jolly lark, Mr. and Mrs. Brown smiled at Bunny and Sue. The sailors also realized that they must pretend it was all in fun, and they were quite ready to play their parts.