Can you
take us to this island?" he asked Slim Jim.
"The lonely island?"
"Yes."
"I rackon so, boss, if you was to hire me, in the manner of speakin'"
"Of course."
"Then I'll go."
"Off for the lonely, isle," murmured Coral softly. "I wonder what
we'll find there?"
CHAPTER XXIII
THE LONELY SAILOR
Once more the Tartar was off on her strange cruise. This time she
carried an added passenger, or, rather a second member of the crew,
for Slim Jim bunked with Joe, and was made assistant engineer, since
the negro proved to know something of gasoline motors.
After hearing the story told by the colored fisherman, and confirming
it by inquiries in St. Kitts, Jack, Cora and the others decided that
there was but one thing to do. That was to head at once for the
lonely island where the sailor, probably maddened by his loneliness
and hardship, was marooned.
As to the location of the island, Slim Jim could give a fair idea as
to where it rose sullenly from the sea, a mass of coral rock, with a
little vegetation. The truth of this was also established by
cautious inquiries before the Tartar tripped her anchor.
Lonely Island, as they called it, was about a day's run from St.
Kitts in fair weather, and now, though the weather had taken a little
turn, as though indicating another storm, it was fair enough to
warrant the try.
More gasoline was put aboard, with additional stores, for Slim Jim,
in spite of his attenuation, was a hearty eater.
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