two or three hundred yards,
the ground was bare and unobstructed. The very highest point on the
island was selected and there a hole was dug. Sticks and knives and
fingers and anything that could be found was used in the task, for no
tools had been put in the life-boat.

"If we only had the oars," said George, "we could have tied them all
together and made a real flag pole."

"What's the matter with this?" demanded Fred. "It may not be very
beautiful, but it'll do the work all right. It's limber too, so that if
a high wind comes up it will bend and not break."

"All right," exclaimed George, "put the flag on and we'll set it up."

The sleeves were torn from George's sacrificed shirt. The sleeves in
turn were torn into strips and with these the rest of the shirt, or
rather the flag, was tied securely to the pole.

"Hoist it up," cried George. "I must say I never expected to have my
shirt used for a flag on some deserted island though."

"It makes a good one all right," said Grant. "That ought to be visible
for a good long distance."

"Do you suppose any one would take the trouble to investigate if he did
see it?" inquired John skeptically.

"Any one would certainly investigate a flag like that," laughed George.
"They'd think it was a Chinese laundry or something."

"Maybe they'll take it for a pirate flag," suggested Fred.

"This island looks like a good place for pirates all right," remarked
John.

CHAPTER XII

A NEW HOME

That night the shipwrecked little band slept out in the open with
nothing but the stars over their heads. In fact they had no other
shelter, but the night was mild and clear and no one suffered any
discomfort.

Thus far the boys had had no chance to explore their new home, but the
first thing the next morning they determined to do so. A plunge in the
waters of the little bay put every one in good humor. No one went very
far out, however, for in spite of the fact that they knew there was
slight chance of any shark venturing anywhere so near the shore, the
knowledge that the giants were lurking not far away cured every desire
to swim out any distance.

Sam decided he would not join the exploring party. He had an idea that
he would be very much better off, dozing in the sun at the foot of some
palm tree. The four boys separated, Fred and Grant going together, and
John and George pairing off.

"You two go one way," directed Grant, "and we'll go the other. If we
follow the sho