Mr. McKay's words proved to be correct. Nothing occurred to disturb the camp during the second night ashore.
"Do you think that Terence and you can manage by yourselves?" asked Mr. McKay during breakfast.
"Then Andy can take Quexo and make an exploration of the interior. I particularly want him to reach the summit of the hill, so as to find out if there are other islands in the vicinity."
"You understand, Andy?" continued his father. "Keep a sharp look-out for signs of past or present inhabitants, any animals you may come across--there may be a few pigs--and, above all, note the general extent of the island and the position of its neighbours, if visible. Don't overburden yourselves; a revolver and twenty rounds apiece, a water-bottle, and some provisions will be quite enough to carry. Rest on the summit of the hill during the heat of the day, and get back here well before sunset."
Having seen the explorers on their way, Ellerton and Donaghue pushed off the cutter and rowed to the wreck.
It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boat was made fast alongside the battered hull of the _San Martin_.
"I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazing at the battered boat.
"Take too much time," was Terence's reply.
"No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail some copper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a long job, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabins and saloon."
Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig on being launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed with his success.
"We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may as well make a start by clearing the for'ard hold."
So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expert swimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead.
Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from the coaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron was but a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook was affixed to the wire rope that held the plates together.
Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion in hauling their booty out of the hold.