The Hidden Harbour
Susan was ashore next. Then Titty with her basket of crockery. John stayed in the Swallow to hand out the stores. First went the loose cooking things that had been tucked in anywhere. Then went the two tents, each rolled in its groundsheet, then the biscuit tins, and then the heavy tin box with the books and barometer and the things that had to be kept dry. That lightened the ship, and Mate Susan and the able-seaman pulled her a little further up, which made it easier to bring ashore the big sacks full of rugs and blankets. Everything was piled together on the dry pebbly beach.
“Now, Mister Mate,” said Captain John, “let’s go and explore.”
“The first thing to do,” said Susan, “is to find the best place for our camp.”
“Not too easily seen from anywhere,” said Titty.
“We want a flat bit of ground with trees to hold the tents up,” said John.
“And a good place for a fire,” said Susan.
“Is it safe to leave the things here?” said Titty. “There might be a tidal wave, forty feet high, washing over everything.”
“Not as big as that,” said John. “That would cover the island.”
“Hullo, where’s that boy?” said the mate. The Boy Roger was exploring already. Just then he shouted from close to them, behind some bushes.
“Someone’s had a fire here before.”