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Rh preparations for the trip took some time, and it was not until several days later that they were ready to embark.

"Good-by to Lonely Island!" cried Larry, taking off the seaweed cap he still wore. "It served us well, yet I can't say that I care to see its shores again."

"You're right, lad; a Robinson Crusoe life is all well enough in books. Give me the deck of a stanch vessel, every time."

The Treasure was run out across the reefs without great difficulty, and as soon as the single sail was hoisted, Striker set the course as he thought due south, although in reality, as it afterwards proved, his course was to the southwest, just a variation sufficient for him to miss the northwest extremity of Luzon.

Two days and a night were passed upon the somewhat clumsy craft without anything of special interest happening. The weather and wind remained fair, and the only thing which bothered them was the fierce sun, which beat down as pitilessly as ever. Striker had thoughtfully thrown into the boat a number of broad palm leaves, and during the middle of the day they were glad