"Where will we build our huts?" asked Sam. "We can build them here, if we wish," replied Dick. "But I rather favor the side fronting the other islands." "Yes, that's the best side," said Captain Jerry. "If we build here, a strong storm may knock our huts flat. That side is more sheltered and, consequently, safer. Besides, there is more fruit there, and I'm sure better fishing in the bay, and that's what counts, too." "Of course it counts--since we must live on fruits, fish, and what birds and animals we manage to knock over," said Tom. The boys had been fairly successful in hunting and fishing, having knocked over half a dozen birds and caught four fair-sized fish. Everything had been done to a turn over the camp-fire, and Dick and old Jerry did full justice to what was set before them--on some dried palm leaves Nellie had found. Their coffee they drank out of some cocoanut shells. They had no forks, but used sharp sticks instead, and the knives the boys carried in their pockets. The weather continued fine and that night the moon shone as brightly as ever. The boys took a stroll on the beach to talk over their plans. "I am sorry to say there is no telling how long we may have to stay here," said Dick. "It may be a day, a week, or for years." "Oh, some ship is bound to pick us up some day," returned Tom. "And if we can find enough to live on in the meantime, what is the use of complaining? I am glad my life was spared." "So am I, Tom." "I would like to know what became of Dan Baxter," put in Sam. "Can it be possible that all of the rest perished?" "Certainly it is possible, Sam. You know what a time we had of it." "It is an awful death to die--in the midst of the ocean," and the youngest Rover shuddered. "I agree with you," said Tom. "But I am more sorry for Captain Blossom than for Baxter." "The wrecking of the ship was the fault of the mate. He was drunk," said Dick. "The man at the wheel was doing what was right until Jack Lesher came along." "Well, I guess the mate went down with the rest." "Look!" cried Sam, pointing to sea. "I see something dark on the water." All gazed in the direction he pointed out and made out a mass of wreckage. They watched it steadily until the breakers cast it almost at their feet. "Some wreckage from the ship!" cried Dick, on examination. "See, here is the name on some of the woodwork. I reckon the vessel went to pieces on the rocks." The wreckage consisted mainly of broken spars and cordage. But there were also some boxes, which, on being opened, proved to contain provisions. "It's not such a bad find, after all," said Tom. "I hope some more comes ashore." But though they waited the best part of the night, nothing more came to view. In the morning the boys felt tired and they did not rouse up until nearly noon. They found old Jerry at the beach, inspecting the wreckage. "The ropes may come in handy," he said. "But the wood is of small account, since' we have all we want already to hand."