THE SKELETON IN THE SAND
that of his father, whom he had so much hoped to cheer with visions of wealth. With Tempest, the matter seemed to have been already forgotten. He was laughing as gaily as though such a thing as a treasure-hunt had never been suggested to him.
Before it was time to turn in for the night the storm that Jim had prophesied began to put in an appearance. Dark clouds raced across the sky, and sudden gusts of wind screamed through the rigging of the Nautilus.
"No need to keep a lookout for Flagg to-night," Dave commented, with mingled emotions. "He could come and camp here as long as he liked now, so far as we are concerned. If he hasn't got back to Washington Island yet, he will be having a rough night.'
"Plenty more wind coming," declared Jim.
"If that is so, I'm glad I'm not out in the open sea in a twenty-five-foot boat," observed Tempest. "A lagoon like ours is a blessing under such cir-
367
