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.  Then they could live on shore or on the ship, as they pleased.

The following day was Sunday and all rested.  The girls thought there should be some sort of religious exercises and all went to the wreck, where Captain Blossom read some chapters from the Bible and the others sang hymns.

The week to follow was a busy one and the time slipped by rapidly.  A visit was paid to the hilltop and the flag raised, and Tom and old Jerry also went to the north shore and brought around the rowboat beached there.  In the meantime Captain Blossom put together the rowboat parts stored on the Golden Wave, so they now had two boats and the raft for service across the bay and to other points on the water.

Building the house was by no means an easy task, but the Rover boys thought it more fun than work, especially with the girls to look on, and by the end of the second week the building looked quite presentable.  When the two bedrooms were finished, some berths were brought over from the wreck, along with bed-clothing, and also some furniture for the living apartment.  Outside the latter room a large porch was built, where they might eat and rest when the weather was fine.  Not to run the risk of burning down the building in a high wind, it was decided that the cooking should be done in a shed some distance away, in the shelter of the rocks and handy to the spring.

“Who is going to be the cook?” asked Dick.  “It won’t be fair to put it off on one person.”

“We have decided to take turns,” said Dora.  “Each one will be the main cook for a day at a time, with the others to help, and to wash the dishes.  We are going to do all the housework, too, so you men folks can hunt and fish, and make garden if you will, to your hearts’ content.”

“What a lazy time we will have of it,” laughed Dick.

“Captain Blossom says that as soon as we are settled we can explore all of the seven islands.  Who knows we may find out something of importance,” came from Tom, who stood near.

“Cannibals, for instance,” put in Sam.

“Oh, do you really think there are any cannibals here?” asked Grace.