"By Jove, we are lucky!" ejaculated Ellerton. "That is, provided we get the stuff ashore."
"We'll do it," replied his chum resolutely. "Only give us time and good weather, and we'll leave precious little on the San Martin, I can assure you."
"Time to be off," exclaimed Terence. "It will be dark in an hour."
So, thrusting the documents into his belt, Andy dropped over the side, and received the rest of the articles that the lads had collected. Then, well laden, the boat returned to the shore.
"We've much to be thankful for," exclaimed Mr. McKay, after he had perused the ship's papers. "There is, I think, no need for anxiety as to our future. You brought the signal flags, I hope?"
"Yes," replied Ellerton, "and a couple of Peruvian ensigns."
"Good! I'm going to make up a Union Jack. There are two reasons for doing so. The first is that it can be used as a means of attracting passing vessels; the second, and more important to my mind, is that it signifies that the island becomes part of the British Empire. I've been going into the question pretty deeply. You may be aware that the Low Archipelago belongs to France. These islands consists of a number of flat coral islands, hence their name. Now, as this island is lofty and of volcanic origin, I cannot see that it can be classed as belonging to the Low Archipelago, even though it is not far distant from that group. Neither does it appear to have been inhabited, so we may be pretty safe in claiming it. Terence, there's a pencil and paper close to your elbow; will you please sketch a plan of a Union Jack?"
Terence did so, but the result was not to Mr. McKay's satisfaction.
"You try, Andy."
Nor was Andy's attempt any more satisfactory, so Ellerton was put to the test.