The thought that they were not so very far from an island, where the chances of rescue were most excellent, put every one in good humor, save Mr. Tarbill.  He remained gloomy and nervous.

It was decided to proceed with the building of the hut, and in a few days it was finished and thatched with thick green leaves, that were almost as good as shingles.

“There, now let it rain if it wants to,” said Mr. Carr.  “We’ll be good and dry.  The tent can be used as a storehouse for what the hut won’t hold.”

It seemed as if the rain was going to take them at their word, for there came a steady downpour the next day, and it lasted a week with but few intermissions.  They were very weary of it.

Yet through it all Bob kept up his good spirits.  He was a changed boy, and though, once or twice, the spirit of mischief seemed about to break out in him, he restrained it, to the secret delight of Captain Spark.

“I was right, after all,” he said to Mr. Carr, one day when the rain had ceased.  “It needed a sea voyage to straighten Bob out, but I didn’t figure on a shipwreck doing it.”

The boy was very helpful about camp.  No task was too hard for him, no labor too much, and he never grumbled.  He had grown almost used to life on the island, as had the other castaways.  But Captain Spark had not given up the plan of sailing for the large island.  He waited until he thought the weather had settled down and then, one fine morning, he gave the word to load the small boat with all their supplies.

“Do you think we can make it?” asked Mr. Carr.

“I think so.  We can try, at any rate.  We’ll have this island and the log cabin to return to in case we have to turn back.”

“Are you really going to put to sea in that small boat?” asked Mr. Tarbill nervously, when the time for departure came.

“That’s what we are,” replied the captain.

“Then I’m not going.”

“Very well.  If you want to stay we’ll leave you some provisions, and perhaps, in six months, a ship may pass here and see the shirt signal.”

“Six months?”

“Well, maybe longer; maybe a shorter time.”

“And I’ll have to stay here all alone?”

“That’s what you will,” answered Captain Spark shortly, for he was beginning to tire of Mr. Tarbill’s cowardice.

“Oh, dear!  What shall I do?” exclaimed the nervous man.

“Come along with us,” suggested Bob.

“I’m afraid.”

“Then stay on the island.  That won’t sink,” said the captain.

“I’m afraid of that, too.”

“Well, we’re going,” announced the commander, preparing to aid in shoving the boat down to the water’s edge.

“Oh!  Don’t leave me behind!  I’ll go!  I’ll go!  But I know I’ll be drowned!  I’m sure of it!”

“You’re a cheerful passenger,” murmured the captain, as Mr. Tarbill got into the boat.  “Let her go, boys!”