Our flag of distress has been seen! Hurrah!" "We must tell the others right away." Both slid down the tree with all haste.

As they reached the bottom a gun boomed out across the waves.
"That is to let us know that our signal has been seen," said Tom.
"Won't the others be delighted when they know a ship, an American ship at that, is so close at hand!" As quickly as they could they reentered the cave and ran to where they had left the others.
The good news spread like lightning.
"A ship! an American warship is coming!" was the cry.
"Oh, how thankful I am," came from Dora.
"What shall we do next ?" asked Nellie, with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.
"We'll go to the shore and meet the small boat that is sent in," answered Captain Blossom.
Without delay he set out, accompanied by Dick and old Jerry, leaving the others to defend the cave during his absence.
It was nearly two hours before he returned.
"The ship is the cruiser _Jefferson_," he said.

"She is bound for Honolulu, to await orders.

The captain says he will take us on board willingly, and he will do what he can to help us bring those other fellows to justice." "Hurrah!" cried Tom.

"If that is so, then our troubles as castaways are over." "And we are not sorry," said Grace.