"Well, perhaps it's the best thing to do," agreed Frank, after thinking it over. "But we can't get it done in time to leave to-day. It's late afternoon now."
"No, but we can start it, finish it the first thing in the morning, and leave as early as possible. We ought to be home by to-morrow easily."
"I wish we could be. If we could only run the Swallow."
"It wouldn't be safe, in the condition she's in. The raft is the only thing."
They ceased their useless searching of the motor boat, and began gathering large pieces of driftwood. Their prisoner in his seaweed shelter watched them curiously.
"What are you up to now?" he asked in his surly voice.
"You'll see soon enough," answered Frank. He had no idea of telling their plans.
It was not so easy to build a raft that would hold three as Andy had supposed. But they did manage to get the framework of it together. Then they had to think of a shelter for themselves, and built one near that of the prisoner. They also gathered wood for a campfire and made preparations for supper.
"Am I going to starve?" demanded the man, as they made no effort to loosen his bonds so that he might eat. "I'm thirsty, too."
"We'll feed you and give you a drink," spoke Frank. "We aren't going to take any more chances."