midday
`` If we do n't , Merrick may form some kind of a party , locate the island , and steal the gold and jewels from under our very noses ! '' `` Oh , such things are not done in a day , Dick , '' said his father , with a faint smile . `` But I agree with you , the quicker we get after the treasure the better . '' After that a discussion lasting well after the dinner hour followed , and was only ended when Mrs. Rover fairly drove them into the dining room for the midday repast . It was resolved that the party to go in search of the treasure should be made up of Anderson Rover and his three sons , Mrs. Stanhope and Dora , the Lanings , and also Fred Garrison , Songbird Powell and Hans Mueller . During the afternoon a number of telegrams and letters were written , and the boys sent these off before nightfall . Aleck Pop was very much interested in such conversation as he had overheard , and as he had accompanied the boys to the jungles of Africa and on the houseboat trip he was very anxious to be a member of the present party .