Fruit was also to be had in plenty, and a spring of fresh water gushed from the rocks of the hill behind them.
"This is certainly a beautiful place," murmured Dora, as she gazed around.

"Were it not for the folks at home worrying about us, I could spend quite some time here and enjoy it." "Well, as our situation cannot be helped, let us make the best of it," said Dick cheerfully.

"There is no use in being downhearted when we ought to be glad that we were saved." Close to the rocks they found several trees growing in something of two circles, and they decided that these trees should form the corner posts of a double house or cabin.
"If we had an ax we might cut down some wood, but as it is we will have to use strong vines and cover the huts with palm leaves," said Captain Jerry.
The boys were soon at work, cutting the vines and gathering the palm leaves, and the girls assisted as well as they were able in fastening up the vine-ropes and binding in the leaves.

It was slow work, yet by nightfall one half the house was complete and the other had the roof covered.
"Now, if rain comes, we can keep fairly dry," said Tom.
It rained the very next day and they were glad enough to crowd into the completed part, while the rain came down in torrents.

When the worst of the downpour was over the wind arose and it kept blowing fiercely all of the afternoon and the night.
"We can be thankful we are sheltered by the hill," said Sam.