Marco said it was for a mast, he knew, but when they asked him where the sail was, he seemed perplexed, and could not answer.
As soon, however, as the tree was cut down, it was evident that it was not intended to be used as a mast, for Forester began at once to cut it up into lengths of about two feet long.

What could be his design, the boys were utterly unable to imagine.

He said nothing, but ordered the boys to take these lengths, one by one, and put them into the boat.

There were five in all.

Then he ordered the crew on board again.
Marco got in last.