“If you say so, we can run our chances,” he said.  “The young ladies must hold tight, and not mind a good ducking.”

The force of the waves was now carrying them closer and closer to the breakers.  Under old Jerry’s directions the boys took a short, sharp stroke, keeping the rowboat straight up to the waves.  The noise was like thunder, and soon the spray was flying all over them.

“Now pull!” cried Captain Jerry.  “One, two, three!  Hold tight, girls!” And away they went into the breakers.  One wave dashed over the craft, but it was not swamped, and before another could hit them they darted up a swell and onto a long, sandy beach.

In a twinkle the old sailor was out, along with Dick, and, aided by another wave, they ran the boat well up the beach, out of the harm of the waves.  It was a hard struggle, and when it was over Dick sank down almost exhausted.

“Saved!” murmured Dora, as she leaped out on shore.  “Thank Heaven!” And all of the others echoed the sentiment.

The empty boat was pulled up out of harm’s way and chained fast to a palm tree growing near, and then the party of seven sat down to rest and to talk over the new condition of affairs.  They were on a wild, tropical coast, with a long, sandy beach running to the ocean, and back of this a dense mass of tropical vegetation, including palms, plantains, cocoanuts, and date trees.  Back of the heavy growth was a distant hill, standing out dimly in the moonlight.

“This looks like a regular Crusoe-like island,” said Dora, as she gazed around.  “There is not a sign of a habitation anywhere.”

“A good many of the South Sea islands are not inhabited,” said Dick.  “The natives won’t live on them because they are subject to volcano eruptions, earthquakes, and tidal waves.”

“Well, I hope we don’t have any of those things while we stay here,” came from Nellie.  “An earthquake would scare me almost to death.”

“I do not see that we can do better than to stay right here for the rest of the night,” said Tom.  “I am too tired out to walk very, far.”

It was decided to follow Tom’s advice, and all made themselves as comfortable as circumstances permitted.  They had some matches in a waterproof safe, and soon a camp-fire was started, at which they dried some of their garments.  Then, after eating some of the provisions that were left, they laid down to rest.  Strange as it may seem all slept soundly until sunrise, and nothing came to disturb them.

When the girls arose they found the boys and Captain Jerry already preparing breakfast.  On the shore Tom, had found some oysters and shell-fish, and these were baking.  Among the provisions were a little tea and coffee, and old Jerry had made a pot of coffee, which did one good to smell.  Sam had brought down some cocoanuts from a nearby tree, and also found some ripe bananas.

“We won’t starve’ to death here, that’s certain,” said Dick, when they all sat down to eat.  “The island is full of good things.  If I had a gun I could bring down lots of birds, and monkeys, too.”