"Eat these," he said, offering one of each to the sailors.

At first they could not understand that these small tablets would be
able to allay the pangs of hunger; but when Rob explained their virtues
the men ate them greedily. Within a few moments they were so greatly
restored to strength and courage that their eyes brightened, their
sunken cheeks flushed, and they were able to converse with their
benefactor with calmness and intelligence.

Then the boy sat beside them upon the grass and told them the story of
his acquaintance with the Demon and of all his adventures since he had
come into possession of the wonderful electric contrivances. In his
present mood he felt it would be a relief to confide in some one, and
so these poor, lonely men were the first to hear his story.

When he related the manner in which he had clung to the Turk while both
ascended into the air, the elder of the two sailors listened with rapt
attention, and then, after some thought, asked:

"Why couldn't you carry one or both of us to America?"

Rob took time seriously to consider this idea, while the sailors eyed
him with eager interest. Finally he said:

"I'm afraid I couldn't support your weight long enough to reach any
other land. It's a long journey, and you'd pull my arms out of joint
before we'd been up an hour."

Their faces fell at this, but one of them said:

"Why couldn't we swing ourselves over your shoulders with a rope? Our
two bodies would balance each other and we are so thin and emaciated
that we do not weigh very much."

While considering this suggestion Rob remembered how at one time five
pirates had clung to his left leg and been carried some distance
through the air.

"Have you a rope?" he asked.

"No," was the answer; "but there are plenty of long, tough vines
growing on the island that are just as strong and pliable as ropes."

"Then, if you are willing to run the chances," decided the boy, "I will
make the attempt to save you. But I must warn you that in case I find
I can not support the weight of your bodies I shall drop one or both of
you into the sea."

They looked grave at this prospect, but the biggest one said:

"We would soon meet death from starvation if you left us here on the
island; so, as there is at least a chance of our being able to escape
in your company I, for one, am willing to risk being drowned. It is
easier and quicker than being starved. And, as I'm the heavier, I
suppose you'