But the shark did not appear, excepting at a great distance.
When Sam. told his story all congratulated him on his narrow escape.
"Tom is right," said old Jerry. "Ye mustn't do no bathin' in the bay.
We can fix two pools, one for the ladies and one for ourselves, and
make another pool for fish, and another for turtles, if we can find any."
The girls had cooked a splendid meal, and soon the table was set on
a big flat rock lying near the beach. All sat down and Captain Blossom
asked a blessing, and then they all fell to with vigor, for all were
hungry.
"The salt air gives one an appetite," said Dick.
The meal lasted the best part of an hour, for, as Tom said, there
was no use of hurrying. As they ate, and for some time afterward,
they discussed their situation and tried to arrange plans for the future.
It was decided that first of all Dick and old Jerry should climb to
the top of the hill, taking with them an ax and a flag and some
halyards, and fasten the flag to the top of the tree, stars down, as
a signal of distress. Then the whole party was to assist in bringing
from the wreck as much building material as was necessary to construct
a comfortable dwelling of three large rooms, one for the girls, one
for the boys and men, and one as a general living room. A store-house
was also to be built, in which could be stored such provisions as
were brought away from the wreck from time to time.
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