Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/270

252 jewels was safe. It was still in its place and he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he gave a call.

"Coming!" came from a distance, and in a few minutes Merwell put in an appearance, bringing with him some berries and fruits.

"One of those sailors who came ashore with me told me about these," he said. "The berries we can eat raw and they are very good. The fruit we can slice up and toast. They make a pretty decent meal," and so it proved, and both youths ate their fill. Then Dave announced his intention of climbing the tree again and having another Jook around.

"That ship is at the south end of the island," he announced. "It is not the Golden Eagle, but a much smaller craft. Most likely it is the vessel the Englishmen engaged. If it is, those three rascals will have a chance to get away before Giles Borden can catch them and make them give up the money they took from him."

"Oh, Dave, do you think" And then Merwell stopped short.

"What were you going to say, Link?"

"I was thinking if it would be possible for Nick to go away with those Englishmen."

"Why, yes, if he chanced to meet them, and they were willing to have him. But would he go and leave you behind?"

"He might, especially if he found out I was