ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 November 1938, Page 13

ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

The discovery that the boqt had drifted out to sea was. of course, a poser to Richard and Ted. In the end they had to admit the impossibility o t getiing it back, and so they made their way back to the carftfc> cfilickly as they cbuld. Alt the way Richard tried to imagine Cvhat was going to happen, but could think of no way out. “Perhaps the Professor will know what to do,” said Ted. Richard hoped he would! %

The Professor and Gwen wfere busy with the lunch when Richard and Ted arrived back at the camp. "Come along,” cried (he Professor, "the meal will soon b 9 ready.'.’ “Where are the things you went for?” asked Gwen. And then Ricfiard and Ted had to break the news about the loss of the boat. “Drifted out to sea!” said Professor, in alarm. “Gracious! Now what are we going to

As soon as the loss of the boat was fully realised the Chums and the Professor fcgt down to discuss what should be done. Thby drily hdd a certain Ripply of food, and had no idea how long they would have to remain on the Island. “There iS orib thing,” Said the P’rofessor, “We can't have as big a lunch as we were going to have.” “That is a good stdrt to a day's picnic.” grumblbd Gti/en who ffcll bunfery. feut it was the only conclusion io come to wasn’t it?

And so it was only a rather meagre luncheon that the party could allow themselves. Over it they disbussbd the possibilities of getting off the island. i4 When wb do not return,” said tiie Professor, “the old boatman is sure to come to find out what has Happened to us.” “We may have starved to death by them.” growled Gwen. "What about catching some fish? That would help.” Richard said tHat was thd first good suggestion lie had ever known Gwen make. AnyVay it was generally* agreed to adopt it.

Having suggested the idea o£ catching fish to help the scanty larder, Gwen was naturally deputed to b 6 one of the fishermen. Richard went with her, "Just to sfefc that she does hot get into trouble,” he said. As it happened, it was as well he did, for while they were climbing over the rocks to a good position, he suddenly stopped and stood gazing at the far sky. "What are you waiting for?” asked Gwen. "Give me the tackle, and let’s get on with it.” I wonder what Richard had Seeri that so intrigued him?

Now we can see what Richard saw when he stopped suddenly on the rock Far away in the sky was a ’plane, and it was making for the Island. Gwen jumped to the conclusion that it was? Somebrtb coming to rrtsciib thein, but Richard realised that it could not be, because no one could yet know they were marooned. Then it occurred to Him to keep as low as possible. “Perhaps the bandits are coming back,” he said. “At any rate tve'd better keep out of sight until we have made sure.” It was just as well that he was careful!