But he could not use his tongue for talking purposes, although he had little trouble in swallowing food.
Early the next morning some of the sailors from the Swallow were sent ashore for water.
"I wouldn't mind going," said Dave, in reply to a question from Captain Broadbeam. "But I hate to leave father."
Amos Fearless overheard this and at once wrote on a pad:
"Go, Dave, and have a good time. I'll be all right. This will be your last chance to stretch your legs on shore for many weeks to come."
So the young diver went ashore with the men, and while the sailors filled their water casks, Dave and a young engineer of the ship, named Bob Vilett, went off on a hunt, taking with them a shotgun and a rifle.
They had heard that numerous wild goats lived upon the island of San Murio, and thought to bag several of these by way of diversion.
"And who knows but what we'll bring down something larger, too!" said Bob Vilett, who was in his way quite a sportsman.
The Swallow was to remain at her anchorage until the next morning, so the pair had the whole day before them. Dave carried a pouch full of food, and Bob a good-sized water bottle, so that they were well provided, even if they did not bring down anything worth eating.
"Take good care of yourselves," said Captain Broadbeam, on parting with them. "Don't run into danger."