Chapter 13 THE ISLAND OF HOPE.

"Give me the solid ground every time," Bumpus burst out with; and from the broad grin on his face, no longer pallid, it was easy to see that he meant what he said.

"You need it!" Step Hen told him dryly, which of course was a little thrust at the heft of the stout scout.

"When do we expect to go ashore, Thad, may I ask?" Smithy wanted to know