Danny Dunn on a Desert Island Read Online Free PDF

raft and carried it well up out of the reach of the tide. Then they unloaded it, setting their supplies out in a neat row.
    Danny said, “I think we ought to explore. Let’s find out how big the island is.”
    â€œNo,” Joe grumbled. “Not until we’ve got some meals planned.”
    â€œRidiculous!” Dr. Grimes exploded. “We don’t know where we are. There may be savage beasts, or even savage people. Security is our most important concern. Every stranger must be considered an enemy—”
    â€œI don’t agree,” said the Professor. “I’ll consider my surroundings friendly until they’re proved otherwise.”
    â€œBut we must have weapons,” Dr. Grimes insisted. “Our rifles are gone with the plane. We ought to make spears, bows, or clubs—”
    â€œIf there are strangers, our weapons will only bring out their weapons,” the Professor said. “I think a shelter would be the best idea. I don’t like the idea of sleeping out in the open. What if there’s a storm?”
    â€œBut a shelter’s no good unless we have something to eat in it,” Joe complained.
    â€œWhat about fresh water?” Danny put in.
    â€œSpears and bows—” Dr. Grimes repeated. “We need a fire, too.”
    â€œThat’s right, but we ought to have something to cook over it—” said Joe.
    â€œA fire—”
    â€œSpears—”
    â€œFood—”
    â€œ Quiet !” snapped the Professor, in so loud and sharp a tone that the others jumped. They had rarely heard him raise his voice.
    He glanced from one to another. Then he smiled. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to sound angry, but I had no choice. It appears that the very first thing we need is government.”
    â€œGovernment? Are you out of your mind?” said Dr. Grimes.
    â€œI don’t think so. Are we going to be a democracy or a—a kingdom? Because if we are a democracy, then we ought to decide all important issues—such as what we ought to do and when to do it—by voting. That way we’ll save time and do what most of us think ought to be done.”
    â€œOkay with me,” said Danny, and Joe nodded.
    Dr. Grimes frowned. “Do you think the boys should have equal votes with us?”
    â€œWhy not? They’ll have to work just as hard as we will.”
    â€œHm! Very well. I agree. Let’s put the matter to a vote.”
    â€œBefore we do that,” said the Professor, “I suggest that we make a list. Let’s see. The inside of this K-ration carton will do.”
    He ripped out a square of waxed cardboard, then he took a stub of pencil from his pocket.
    â€œFood, water, shelter, weapons,” he said as he wrote. “Hm! Seems to me I made this list once before! Anything else?”
    â€œExploring,” said Danny.
    â€œWe’ll do that as we search for food and water, I should think. What else?”
    â€œBuilding a signal fire,” said Dr. Grimes.
    â€œYes. Anything more? Then let’s begin.”
    When the votes were taken, it was found that all four of them agreed that fresh water and a shelter came first. They still had some K rations left, so food could be postponed for the time being. As for weapons, and signaling, all but Dr. Grimes voted to put them off for the moment.
    â€œThat’s settled, then,” said the Professor. “I’ll put the list in this box, and if anything more occurs to us we can jot it down and vote on it later. Now, since water and a shelter come first, I suggest that we divide into two parties. Suppose Dan and I tackle the shelter. And Grimes, there’s a collapsible bucket in the raft; why don’t you and Joe search for fresh water?”
    Dr. Grimes nodded.
    â€œOne more thing,” said the Professor earnestly. “Whatever you do—be careful. We don’t know what lies in that