It is true that his mother, answering Townsend's thoughtful
'phone call from the Skybrow home, had expressed concern at his being
cast up with no companion but a banquet, but no one, not even his
parents, feared for his safety.
The river was too tame and narrow, and the island altogether too secure
upon its vast scow to introduce the smallest element of peril into his
exploit. The tide would have to come up and upon its expanding bosom
the gorged hero would return to his native land. Roy and his friends,
knowing that Pee-wee's new victims were to rejoin him, went to their
several homes to rifle kitchens and turn pantries inside out.
"Yes, that's his light, all right," said Billy.
"That you, Discoverer?" Townsend called, as the light bobbed gayly
nearer and nearer. It was coming up the channel.
"Sure," called Pee-wee. "I've got something new! I've got a big
surprise for you!"
"Another?" said Townsend.
"It's alive," Pee-wee shouted. "Is the party all over?"
"Oh, absolutely," Townsend called; "you closed it up. Have you got two
or three salted almonds over there?"
"Sure," Pee-wee shouted reassuringly, "six or seven."
It was funny with what an air of humorous resignation Townsend Ripley
stepped into the skiff and the mock air of ebbing vitality which the
others showed was as good as a circus.
"You don't suppose it's some new kind of hunter's stew, do you?" said
Townsend resignedly as he languidly took a pair of oars.
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