“Is that what the pilot books mean by leading lights?” asked John.
“What are pilot books?” asked Nancy, and John was pleased to find that there were things that even Captain Nancy did not know.
They pulled up the Amazon and went back to the camp to take part in the feast. It was a very good feast. The sandwiches and sardines went well with the pemmican and the lemonade. By the time that was done the big kettle was boiling like anything, and it seemed a pity not to have tea with the cake.
Time went fast as the six mariners sat round the fire planning voyages. At last Captain Nancy looked up at the sun.
“We’d better be sailing,” she said, “or there’ll be more trouble with the natives. We’ve been late for supper twice this week already. This wind always goes and drops about sunset, and it’s a tremendous way to row. Stir your stumps, Peggy.”
“One of them’s asleep,” said Peggy.
“It’ll wake up if you stir them both,” said Captain Nancy. “Come on, lend a hand with that puncheon.”
The empty barrel was easy to carry, but, to do the thing properly, they slung it on the oar as before. Titty carried the pirate flag for them. Roger carried the basket. The whole crew of the Swallow went down to the harbour to see the Amazons off.
The Amazons worked out of harbour, set their sail and, with the fair wind that was still blowing, were soon slipping past the northern end of the island. The Swallows had run back to the lookout place to wave to them.