CHAPTER XI.
BESSIE’S ISLAND.

Ir was well that Tom had been advised
about the current, for it ran so swiftly that
it would have been almost impossible for him
to reach the island, from a point directly
opposite. As it was the current aided him,
and the boat in about twenty minutes reached
the island. The. shore where they first
approached it was réeky, and Tom rowed
along till he came to the southern side, where
there was a good landing-place, which he
called “the beach.” There they landed.

“TI take palhanee of this island in the
name, and by the name of, Bessie. From this
time it shall be called ‘ Bessie’s Island,’ ”
shouted Tom, as he stood with one foot in the