“The Sea King,” was the astonishing reply.
“We are coming to your aid. Have you got the gems?”
“Yes. They are safe, and we are all well, but in need of help,” the lad sent back with a joyous heart.
He listened for a reply, but none came. In fact, there was no need for more communication. The castaways knew what they wanted to know most of all, namely, that they would be taken off the island as soon as possible. In the meantime. Professor Chadwick ordered Jupe to prepare a royal spread in celebration of the event.
“We look like a lot of pirates,” commented Jack, as, after a hearty meal, they lay stretched about the fire.
“I suppose that, like most boys, you have a sort of admiration for those gentry?” inquired Captain Andrews.
“Well, he’s stuffed his head with enough books about them,” chuckled Tom.
“Guess that applies to you, too,” parried Jack, with a grin.
“I don’t suppose, though, that either of you ever saw a real pirate,” commented the captain quietly. “I can tell you they are mighty different beings from the red-sashed, romantic sort of chaps you read about.”
“Why, have you ever seen any?” asked Jack, sitting up eagerly.