He set out at once on his way back, thinking that he ought to have wakened the mate before coming to fetch the milk.
But he could see the island from the field below the farm, and smoke was already rising from among the trees. The mate was up and about, the fire was lit, everything was right, and the kettle would be boiling before he got back with the milk.
He hurried down to the shore. Able-seaman Titty and the Boy Roger were splashing about by the island. He saw the two white figures splash up out of the water, kicking it in fountains before them. They were still drying themselves when he brought the Swallow to the landing-place. They helped to pull her up.
“I’ve got some toffee from the natives as well as the milk,” said Captain John.
“Real toffee?” said Roger.
“Molasses,” said Titty. “Toffee is only the native name for it.”
“And I have grave news,” said Captain John. “Something has happened. I shall call a council as soon as we have had breakfast.”
“Aye, aye, sir,” said the able-seaman, and poked the boy, who said, “Aye, aye, sir,” too.
The able-seaman and the boy ran up to the camp with the milk-can and the molasses. The captain followed them, thinking, with his hands in his pockets.
“Breakfast ready, sir,” called the mate cheerfully.
“Thank you, Mister Mate,” said John.
“Here’s the milk,” said Roger.