“I am sorry to say there is no telling how long we may have to stay here,” said Dick.  “It may be a day, a week, or for years.”

“Oh, some ship is bound to pick us up some day,” returned Tom.  “And if we can find enough to live on in the meantime, what is the use of complaining?  I am glad my life was spared.”

“So am I, Tom.”

“I would like to know what became of Dan Baxter,” put in Sam.  “Can it be possible that all of the rest perished?”

“Certainly it is possible, Sam.  You know what a time we had of it.”

“It is an awful death to die—­in the midst of the ocean,” and the youngest Rover shuddered.

“I agree with you,” said Tom.  “But I am more sorry for Captain Blossom than for Baxter.”

“The wrecking of the ship was the fault of the mate.  He was drunk,” said Dick.  “The man at the wheel was doing what was right until Jack Lesher came along.”

“Well, I guess the mate went down with the rest.”

“Look!” cried Sam, pointing to sea.  “I see something dark on the water.”

All gazed in the direction he pointed out and made out a mass of wreckage.  They watched it steadily until the breakers cast it almost at their feet.

“Some wreckage from the ship!” cried Dick, on examination.  “See, here is the name on some of the woodwork.  I reckon the vessel went to pieces on the rocks.”

The wreckage consisted mainly of broken spars and cordage.  But there were also some boxes, which, on being opened, proved to contain provisions.

“It’s not such a bad find, after all,” said Tom.  “I hope some more comes ashore.”  But though they waited the best part of the night, nothing more came to view.

In the morning the boys felt tired and they did not rouse up until nearly noon.  They found old Jerry at the beach, inspecting the wreckage.

“The ropes may come in handy,” he said.  “But the wood is of small account, since’ we have all we want already to hand.”

It was decided to remain at the beach for the next day, to look for more wreckage.  But none came in, and then they started in a body to skirt the shore around to the South Bay, as old Jerry called it.  At first they thought to carry the boat around, but concluded to come back for that later.

It was a journey full of interest, for the sandy beach was dotted with many strange and beautiful seashells, and just back of the sand was the rich tropical growth already mentioned.  The woods were full of monkeys and birds, and once Tom thought he caught sight of some goats or deer.

They reached an ideal spot fronting the little bay a little before noon, and then the girls were glad enough to sit down in the shade and rest.  The bay was full of fish, and before long they had caught three of the finny tribe.  Fruit was also to be had in plenty, and a spring of fresh water gushed from the rocks of the hill behind them.