They had not seen Jo-Jo. The black man was still down on the beach, now feeling very puzzled, and most annoyed with the vanished children. He felt certain they were in the caves. He went in himself and called to them.
There was no answer, of course. Jo-Jo called again and again. Well, if they’ve lost themselves in the caves, it will be good riddance of bad rubbish, he said to himself. He decided to go up and report the matter to Miss Polly.
So up he went. The children had gone, and Aunt Polly was washing up. She glanced sharply at Jo-Jo.
Where have you been all morning? she asked. I wanted you, and you were nowhere to be found.
Looking for them children, said Jo-Jo. It’s my belief they’ve gone into the caves down there, and got lost. I been calling and calling for them.
Don’t be so silly, Jo-Jo, said Aunt Polly. You’re just making the children an excuse for your laziness. You know quite well they are not in the caves.
Miss Polly, I seed them go in, and I didn’t seed them come out, began Jo-Jo indignantly. I was on the beach all the time, wasn’t I? Well, I tells you, Miss Polly, them children went into the caves, and they’re there still.
No, they’re not, said Aunt Polly firmly. They have just gone off for a picnic. They came in, had an early lunch and went out again. So don’t come to me any more with silly stories about them being lost in caves.
Jo-Jo’s mouth dropped open. He simply could not believe his ears. Hadn’t he been on the beach by the caves all the morning? He would have seen the children as soon as they came out.
Don’t pretend to be so surprised, said Aunt Polly sharply. Just stir yourself and do a few jobs quickly. You will have to do this afternoon all the things you didn’t do this morning. I expect the children did go into the caves but they must have slipped out when you were not looking. Don’t stand there looking like a stuffed dummy. You make me very angry.
Jo-Jo shook himself, shut his mouth and went off silently to do some jobs in the house. He was full of amazement. He remembered how one night he had chased two boys into the caves, thinking they were Philip and Jack and the tide had come up and imprisoned them in the caves but they were not there the next morning.
And now the four children had done the same thing. Jo-Jo thought it was decidedly uncanny. He didn’t like it. Now those children had given him the slip again. Where had they gone? Well, it wasn’t much good trying to find out that afternoon not with Miss Polly in such a bad temper anyway!
Chapter 14
A GLIMPSE OF THE ISLE OF GLOOM
The children hurried over the cliffs to Bill Smugs and his boat. He was ready for them. He put their packet of sandwiches and cake, their thermos, and a packet of biscuits and chocolate of his own, into the boat. Then they all got in.
Bill had brought the boat to shore, instead of hiding it out by the rocks. He pushed off, wading in the water till the boat floated. Then in he jumped, and took the oars till they were away from the rocks.
Now then, he said, in a little while, when they were well beyond the rocks and out at sea, now then, boys, up with that sail and let’s see how you do it!
The boys put up the sail easily. Then they took turns at the tiller, and Bill was pleased with them. You are good pupils, he said approvingly. I believe you could take this boat out alone now.
Oh, Bill would you let us? asked Jack eagerly. You could trust us, really you could.
I might, one day, said Bill. You would have to promise not to sail out very far, that’s all.
Oh yes, we’d promise anything, said the children earnestly. How thrilling it would be to set off in Bill’s boat all by themselves!
There was a good wind and the boat sped along smoothly, rocking a little every now and again as she came to a swell. The sea was really very calm.
It’s lovely, said Jack. I do like the flapping noise the sail makes and the sound of the water slapping against the boat, and the steady whistling of the wind …
Dinah and Lucy-Ann let their hands trail in the cool, silky water. Kiki watched with interest from her perch on the big sail. She could hardly keep her balance there, and had to half-spread her wings to help her. She seemed to be enjoying the trip as much as the children.
Wipe your feet and shut the door, she said to Bill Smugs, catching his eye. How many times have I …
Shut up, Kiki! cried everyone at once. Don’t be rude to Bill, or he’ll throw you overboard.
Kiki cackled with laughter, rose into the air and joined a couple of startled sea-gulls, announcing to them that they had better use their handkerchiefs. Then she gave an ear-piercing shriek that made the gulls sheer off in alarm. Kiki returned to her perch, pleased with herself. She did enjoy creating a sensation, whether it was among human beings, birds or animals.
I still can’t see the Isle of Gloom, said Jack, who was keeping a sharp look-out for it. Whereabouts is it, Bill? I seem to have lost my sense of direction now I’m right out at sea.
Over there, said Bill, pointing. The children followed his finger, but could see nothing. Still, it was exciting that the bad island, as Jo-Jo called it, was coming nearer and nearer.
The sailing-boat sped on, and the wind freshened a little as they got further out. The girls’ hair stood out behind them, or blew all over their faces, and Bill gave an exclamation of annoyance as the wind neatly whipped his cigarette from his fingers and swept it away.
Now, if Kiki was any use at all, she would fly after that and bring it back to me, said Bill, cocking an eye at the parrot.
Poor Kiki, said the parrot, sorrowfully shaking her head. Poor old Kiki. What a pity, what a pity, what …
Jack aimed an old shell at her and she stopped with a cackle of laughter. Bill tried to light another cigarette, which the wind made rather difficult.
After a while Jack gave a sudden cry. Look! Land ho! Isn’t that the Isle of Gloom? It must be.
They all looked hard. Looming up out of the heat-haze was land, there was no doubt about it.
Yes that’s the island all right, said Bill, with great interest. It’s fairly big, too.
The boat drew nearer. The island became clearer and the children could see how rocky and hilly it was. Round it was a continual turmoil of water. Surf and spray were flung high into the air, and here and there the children could see jagged rocks sticking up from the sea.
They went nearer in. The water was rough and choppy now, and Lucy-Ann began to look a little green. She was the only one who was not a first-rate sailor. But she bravely said nothing, and soon the sea-sick feeling began to pass off a little.
Now you can see the wide ring of rocks running round the island, said Bill Smugs. My word, aren’t they wicked! I guess many a boat has been wrecked on them at one time or another. We’ll cruise round a bit, and see if we can spot any entry. But we don’t go any nearer, there’s no use begging me to.
The Albatross was now in a very choppy sea indeed and poor Lucy-Ann went green again. Have a dry biscuit, Lucy-Ann, said Bill Smugs, noticing her looks. Nibble it. It may keep off that sick feeling.
It did. Lucy-Ann nibbled the dry biscuit gratefully and was soon able to take an interest in the trip once more. The Isle of Gloom certainly lived up to its name. It was a most desolate place, as far as the children could see. It seemed to be made of jagged rocks that rose into high hills in the middle of the island. A few stunted trees grew here and there, and grass showed green in some places. The rocks were a curious red colour on the seaward side of the island, but black everywhere else.
There are heaps and heaps of birds there, just as I thought, said Jack, looking through his field-glasses in excitement. Golly just look at them, Bill!
But Bill would not leave the tiller. It was dangerous work cruising near to the ring of rocks in such a choppy sea. He nodded to Jack. I’ll take your word for it, he said. Tell me if you recognise any birds.