At half-past four Dick got out the rowboat and started for the wreck.
He had first thought to go alone, but old Jerry wanted to pick out
certain tools needed for the house-building, as well as hunt for a
keg of nails, and the two decided to go together, going and coming
as quickly as possible.
"You won't be afraid to be alone, will you?" asked Dick, of the girls.
"Not if you hurry," answered Nellie. "But don't stay away after dark."
Left to themselves, the three girls swept up the chips the builders
had left and started up the camp-fire. Then they tidied up the house
generally, and soon set about preparing the supper.
Dora was at the spring getting a pail of water when a sound on the
rocks nearby caused her to look around in wonder. To her amazement
Dan Baxter stood there, staring at her in open-mouthed astonishment.
"Dan Baxter!" she gasped. "Where in the world did you come from?"
For a moment the bully did not answer, so great was his amazement.
Dora noted that he was dirty and unkempt, and that his clothing was
almost in rags.
"Is it you, Dora Stanhope?" came slowly from the fellow's lips. "Is
it really you?"
"Yes," she answered.
"How did you get here? Are you alone?" went on Baxter, coming closer.
And then before she could answer, he added: "Got anything to eat?"
At the last question she looked at him more closely, and saw that he
appeared half starved. She pitied him despite his character.
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