Landing, they made their way over the exposed roots of mangroves and cypress trees, gradually drawing near the middle of the island. And here they found what they sought.
Jack made several torches out of some wood he found, and when these were lighted they saw a sight that none of them would soon forget. Thousands of birds were in the trees, many of them herons, ibis, cranes and water turkeys.
For some time the boys looked at the spectacle. Then, tiring of it, as well as objecting to the anything but pleasant odor of the roost, which had long been in use they imagined, they retreated again to the boats, after which the return trip was begun.
Nick had kept the fire going, and little trouble was experienced getting back to where the larger craft awaited them.
The night passed quietly and with the morning they began to make preparations looking to the repairing of the snagged Comfort.
Breakfast over, Jack set out with the ax, and Josh to help him, taking two of the small boats. When he found a couple of cypress trees that he thought would answer the purpose, over on Bird Island, as they had named the place of the roost, he cut them down, and by hard work they towed the intended skids to camp.
Here they were shaped, and placed in position. Then the block and tackle, which had been carried on board the roomy Comfort, were brought into play.
Jack selected the strongest mangrove within line of the boat that was to be hauled out, when fastening the tackle.
“Here you are, now, fellows!” he declared, when all was ready.
“Come along, everybody, and take a grip on the rope,” invited Herb, who was more than anxious to get busy at the job of patching the smashed sheathing of his boat, so they could continue their voyage.