AT SEA HORSE
There proved to be a good harbor at Double Island—a harbor ringed about with sand-fringed coral, with a sandy bottom which could be seen through the limpid depths of the blue water that was as clear as a sapphire-tinted crystal. And, a short way up from the beach was a line of palms and other tropical plants, while, in a little clearing, near what proved to be a trickling spring, was a rude sort of hut.
"Ahoy, folks!" yelled Jack, his voice a shout with its old vigor.
"Here we are!"
What the three on the beach said could not be heard, but they were plainly much excited.
"They don't yet know who we are," said Cora.
"They only know they are being rescued," echoed Bess.
"Oh, but isn't it great—we've found them!" cried Belle in delight, hugging first Cora, Bess and next Inez.
Inez said nothing, but her shining eyes told of the joy she felt in the happiness of her friends. Her time for rejoicing was yet to come.
So little did the beach in the coral harbor shelve that the big motor boat could come up to within a few yards of the shore.
"Why it's Jack—and Cora!" cried Mrs. Robinson. "It's your son and daughter—and the girls! Oh, of all things!"