“I—­I forgot it!” stammered the passenger.  “I—­I was so upset, you know.”

“Let me see it.”

Captain Spark took the compass and examined it with care.  It was small, but of good manufacture, and looked as if it might point true.

“Not near as good as the one we lost,” he said to Mr. Carr.  “But it is better than nothing.”

“Indeed it is,” was the reply.

“I thought that was a locket,” said Bob.  “I noticed it on the watch chain several times.”

“It was given to me by my uncle, years ago,” said Mr. Tarbill.  “Please don’t lose it.”

“I’ll keep it safe, don’t fear,” answered the captain.  “Reckon it is safer in my keepin’ than yours,” he added.

With the discovery of the tiny compass the hopes of the castaways revived.  All felt that it would be a waste of time to remain on the small island, and accordingly preparations were made to leave on the following morning.  To add to their stock of provisions the men and Bob brought down a large quantity of birds and also caught a lot of fish, and these were broiled and cooked, to keep them from spoiling.  They also got what water they could and stored it in a cask, and Bob picked a capful of berries.

“Some of the parrots are beautiful,” said the boy to the captain.  “If I was sure of getting home again I’d like to take some of the feathers along, for my mother’s hat.”

“Better not bother, Bob.”

“I’ll not.  I was only thinking, sir.”

“I have great hopes of reaching that large island,” went on Captain Spark.  “But, when we embark again, we’ll have to take what comes.  That little compass will help us some, but it may not be as accurate as is necessary.”

“Why not stay on this island till a ship comes along?”

“I don’t consider this as safe as the other island was.”

That night Bob went to bed early.  He awoke in the middle of the night to feel somebody or something pulling at his foot.

“Hi! who is there?” he shouted, sitting up.  At the same moment came a wild yell from Mr. Tarbill.

“The cannibals have come!” yelled the nervous man.  “One of ’em has me by the throat!”

“Stop that row!” came from Captain Spark.  “There are no savages here!”

“Maybe he’s got the nightmare,” suggested Mr. Carr.

“No, no, I am attacked!” bawled Mr. Tarbill.

“I know what they are!” shouted Bob.  “Get out of here, you imp!” And he struck something with a stick that was handy.  There was a wild chattering and off into the darkness stole several impish figures.

“What were they?” asked Ned, who was still sleepy.

“Monkeys,” answered the youth, “Pretty big ones, too.”

“Are you sure they weren’t cannibals?” queried Mr. Tarbill.  “Some of the wild men are very small, you know.  In Africa they are not over three feet high.”

“Monkeys, true enough,” said the captain.  “I saw some of ’em watching our camp when we had supper.  They were afraid to come close when we were stirring, but I suppose when we were quiet their curiosity got the best of them, and they had to come and feel of us.”