Dave was quite silent and meditative till they had reached the big sandy island. Arrived there, he slowly dressed himself.
"Come on, I'm hungry as a bear--don't want to miss a good supper, Dave," hailed Bob, starting for the Swallow.
"Hold on!" challenged Dave. "I want to tell you something before we go aboard."
"Fire away," directed Bob.
"Can you manage to get off duty about dusk?"
"There's nothing for me to do till we steam up again," replied Bob. "Why?"
"Can we get one of the small boats for an hour or two, do you think?"
Bob shook his head negatively.
"Heard the captain shut down on the chance of anybody sneaking to town and making more trouble. No, it can't be done, unless the captain gives special orders. Why?" pressed Bob curiously.
"I don't want to tell the captain what I am up to till I accomplish something," explained Dave. "I'll tell you, though, for you've got to help me."