Near the boat was a shed in which the sails were stored. They were in passable condition. Some of the lanyards were rotten, but there was other rope that could be utilized for the purpose. The first thing they did was to haul the boat down to the water’s edge and half sink her to swell her timbers. They put in the rest of that day repairing the gear. Next morning they found their boat considerably improved. They hauled her high and dry, and set to work caulking the leaky cracks. Before nightfall Tempest nodded approvingly as he surveyed the result of their labors. “I’m satisfied,” he said. “If only we have fairly decent weather, there isn’t the least cause for us to feel anxious. Come on, Dave. Let’s take her for a spin.” When afloat, the _Nautilus_ exceeded Tempest’s expectations. They tried her both before the wind and tacking, and their spirits rose joyously when they found how handy she was. Up to the present they had said nothing to Joe Flagg about their acquisition of the _Nautilus_, out of consideration for that individual’s feelings, but now it was necessary to mention the matter, as all that remained to be done before they could start was to lay in the necessary stock of food and water. “I hope he won’t feel sore about it,” said Dave, as they walked back. “I believe he thought we should change our minds eventually and take him into partnership.” “He certainly has been mighty good to us,” Tempest replied, “and I wouldn’t do anything to make him feel peeved if I could help it, bless his heart. But business is business, Dave, and we should be foolish to let sentiment interfere with an affair of this kind.” Joe Flagg was awaiting them on the veranda, beaming as usual and working diligently with the handkerchief upon his moist brow. “I thought you’d deserted me,” he said. “What have you two rascals been up to all day?” “Getting ready to desert you, Mr. Flagg,” said Tempest. “We have changed our program a little instead of going to Christmas Island. I’m afraid we have almost overstayed our welcome as it is.” “What’s this――what’s this?” puffed their host. “What d’you mean about overstaying your welcome? Wait till I say anything like that. I know of no vessel coming here for a week or more yet.” “That is so,” said Tempest. “Fortunately we have been able to hire a small sailing-boat that will do for our purpose.” Mr. Flagg did not speak for a moment. “All right, my lads,” he said at last. “You know your own affairs best. But don’t get any crazy notion into your heads that I’m wanting to turn you out. Under my roof you can stop as long as you have a mind to, see?”