Part 44 (1/2)
”One hundred and twenty,” said Grant quickly
”Right,” exclaimed John ”In other words, ant to th of ed George ”I'll do it ht north,” advised Grant ”That is one of the s of all”
”That suits e ”Start your measurements”
The course led off across the sandy beach towards a little cluainst the spot on shark's rock that was their starting place, Grant began to measure With a small stick he marked the place to which the heel of the shoe extended and then repeated the operation, using the e kept close watch with his co followed
It was sloork and arduous Everybody was on his hands and knees keeping careful watch of all the operations The sun was hot and in some places sharp stones or bits of coral were mixed in with the sand so thatknees and hands as a result No one seemed to mind or even to notice these discoed in was so interesting and absorbing to the else
”Be sure to keep track of the number of times we have measured, Fred,”
reminded Grant ”We don't want any slip-up, you know”
”Don't worry about that,” said Fred confidently ”Every tie froe's diary When there are five marks made I cross them off”
”How many so far?” inquired John
”Seventy,” replied Fred after a rapid calculation ”Fifty o”
”Don't hurry,” warned Grant ”We want it right, you know”
”We certainly do,” agreed George ”We don't want to do all this work for nothing”
The measurements were continued, painfully and slowly Every ten inches was reatest of care, and if John's state was correct it seemed impossible that any mistake had crept into their calculations John insisted over and over again that the length quoted was absolutely correct, but his friends kept on asking him, so anxious were they to be perfectly sure
”One hundred and twenty,” announced Fred at length ”That's the end of the first journey”
”Thank goodness,” exclai the perspiration from his brow ”That's about as hard work as I care to do”
”I should say it is,” agreed George ”Let's rest for a few ot to,” said Grant ”I'll never last otherwise”
”Mark the exact spot where we are to start on the next lap,” said John, ”and then let's go up here in the shade and rest for a little while”
”Good idea,” exclairound”
The important spot plainly indicated, the whole party withdrew to the shade afforded by a neighboring cluround for a well earned rest
”I don't suppose we have any business to be working out in that sun in the middle of the day anyway,” said Grant ”It's entirely too hot”