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Updated: June 12, 2025
"I guess I'll have to take stronger measures with him," thought the commander as he walked forward. A few minutes later Mr. Tarbill rushed up on deck. He had a life-preserver strapped about him, and in either hand was a valise, while over his shoulder was some spare clothing he had not had time to pack in the satchels. "Are the lifeboats ready?" he asked of Mr.
"A leak!" cried the captain. "Yes, this locker is half full of water, and all the stuff in it is soaked." It was true enough. The salt water had come in through some opening of the seams of the previously tight compartment and had done much damage. The victuals were only fit to throw overboard. "Half rations from now on," said the captain sternly. "Half rations!" repeated Mr. Tarbill.
"Yes but I sha'n't mind it so much, if only we reach a place of safety." "Oh, if only I was home!" sighed Mr. Tarbill. "If only I was home!" "Wouldn't just dry land suit you?" queried Bob, with a bit of his old-time humor. "I I suppose so, but I'd like home best." "Any land would suit me just now," put in the captain. "Supposing we should land among cannibals!" murmured the nervous passenger.
Bob saw a big turtle crawling down the beach toward the water, and, knowing the flesh was good for food, he ran forward to catch it. He was too late, however, and when he turned, with a feeling of disappointment, to catch up with Mr. Tarbill, who had continued on, Bob was surprised to hear the man utter an exclamation. He had come to a halt near a pile of rocks and was looking over the tops.
Had it not been for the worry over what might be the outcome, and had not the dreadful memory of the shipwreck been in all their minds, they might have enjoyed the sail. As it was, no one felt very jolly. Mr. Tarbill was particularly miserable, and was continually finding fault. "Oh, dear!
Tarbill joined in and favored the proposition. "That's settled, then," spoke the captain. "Now you needn't say anything, Bob, we're three to one, and we're going to have our way. So far so good. The next thing is to rig up our distress signal. I'll leave that to Flynn. Tim, climb the highest tree you can find and run up a signal." "Aye, aye, sir," replied the sailor, saluting and starting off.
You can see it from here." He led the way down to the edge of the water and pointed inland. Sure enough, flying from a tall cocoanut tree was a white shirt. It could be seen for a long distance. "That's a fine idea," complimented the captain. "I forgot when I sent you off that you hadn't any signal flag. But here comes Mr. Tarbill. I wonder if he turned any turtles?
That is the last I remember. Perhaps the captain and some of the crew may have swum ashore on another part of this island." "I hope so. We'll search for them. I guess we're in for a long stay." "Have we got to remain here?" demanded Mr. Tarbill. "I don't see what else there is to do," replied Bob.
"And I, for one, am tired of hearing you croak." "Hum!" murmured Mr. Tarbill, and then, for the time being, he said no more. The constant rocking of the boat made him somewhat sick at the stomach, and he was anything but happy. Bob could not help but think of home, and of his dear mother and father. If he was lost, what would they say and what would they do? "Dear folks at home!" he murmured.
The boy considered matters a few minutes, during which time the nervous passenger seemed to grow more and more frightened of the big waves, which had been piled up by quite a heavy blow the previous night. Presently Bob went to the after-rail and looked intently into the water. Then he uttered an exclamation. "Oh! Oh!" he cried. "It's coming right after us! Have you a revolver, Mr. Tarbill?"
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