here," he told himself, and then, coming to a tall tree with low, drooping branches, he began to climb to the top.
It was a difficult task, for the tree was a thickly wooded one and a veritable monarch of the forest. But he persevered, and at last gained the topmost branch.
Here the view of the island and its vicinity was much extended, and he could see not only the bay where the Peacock had been at anchor, but also several other harbors.
"The Peacock is gone!" Such were the first words which escaped him. "She must have left the island altogether!"
With anxious eye he turned his gaze to the other harbors, and suddenly gave a start.
"A steam tug! How lucky!" He had discovered the Rocket, which was just getting up steam in order to follow the Peacock; the screw being now repaired and ready for use.
As fast as he could he descended to the ground, his one thought being to tell Tom of his discovery, and to either get to the steam tug or to signal those on board, so that the tug might not leave the island without them. He had noticed the black smoke curling up from the stack, and knew that this betokened that steam was getting up.
"Sam Rover!"
