Part 8 (2/2)

While sailing in that direction they had to go pretty much into the face of the wind, but it was considered wise to explore that region to the south of the islands first, and then take another section to the east or to the west.

Night came on without any indications of land, and the course was altered directly to the east. The boys remained up until nearly twelve that night, but no light or evidence of land came in sight. Tired with the exertions of the day, they retired, and were soon asleep.

How long they slept was immaterial to them. Sutoto came into their cabin, and awakened them, saying, ”We can see some lights in the east.”

They heard the voice, and its earnest expression, and without waiting to dress scrambled out. Far off to the southeast was a faint glimmer, then it died away.

After a moment or two it appeared again, somewhat brighter than before.

The night was intensely dark, and the wind was blowing a steady gale, so that the boat not only rocked but it moved forward into the lines of waves across their path.

John was above, and they hurriedly rushed to see him. He was smiling, as they approached, and he greeted them by saying ”We have reached your island, probably.”

”How long have you seen the light?” asked George.

”A half hour, or more,” he answered.

The boys were not in the mood now to return to bed, so they went back to dress, and then returned, meanwhile watching the light with eager eyes.

The course of the s.h.i.+p was directed toward it, and every one on board had now heard the news.

Soon the watch on the port side sang out: ”Land ahead,” and every one sprang to the left side. There, plainly in the darkness, was a headland, or a spur, which they were pa.s.sing at almost right angles. The most intense excitement prevailed.

Still the light was directly ahead, and, apparently, a long distance from them. John told Sutoto to haul in the sails, and to take a course directly to the south. He explained that it would be wise to stand off the sh.o.r.e as long as possible, as the s.h.i.+p's clock showed that it was now past four o'clock so that within the next hour they might be able to view the land clearly enough to determine their future course.

Impatiently they awaited that period of gloom which is said to be the darkest time,--just before the dawn. This seemed to be so to the watchers, but shortly after five the curtain lifted. A slight haze was over the land, but they had found an island, at least.

”Do you know our position?” asked Harry, as John approached. ”Yes; I have just figured it out. We are fifty leagues (one hundred and fifty miles) southeast of Wonder Island.”

The boys looked at each other. Evidently Walter was wrong, or they had read his letter incorrectly. But they saw land, and John a.s.sured them that there was no land between that place and their own island.

Anxiously they awaited daylight, and when it came they gazed out on a barren waste,--a rocky and uninviting sh.o.r.e.

”Steer for the little cove beyond the great rock,” said John.

The sails were hoisted, and the vessel slowly moved south, and rounded into the waters bounded by the circular sh.o.r.e line. The anchor was soon cast, and then began the launching of the boats.

John called the men before him, and gave a few words of advice. ”We have no knowledge of the character of the land, or of the people who may live there. Two boats will be manned, and ten will take their places in each.

Uraso will have charge of one, and Muro of the other. When we reach the sh.o.r.e Muro will remain with the men under his command, while Uraso will follow me. It will be understood that so long as no shots are heard by Muro and his party that our expedition is safe, but should any firing be heard, then the s.h.i.+p must be signaled and those in the vessel here must come to sh.o.r.e, and Muro with his soldiers will at once come to our relief. I hope we shall have no occasion for calling on you, but we must be prepared for any emergency.”

The two boats pulled for the sh.o.r.e. After landing John, with Uraso's men the boys quickly scrambled up the rough cliffs beyond. When the heights were gained they looked over a beautifully wooded landscape, but it was still, except for the birds and the small animals which looked at them in a startled manner, and then scurried for cover.

”I doubt whether there are any people living here,” remarked Harry.

”There is not a sign of living beings.”

”You are quite mistaken there,” said John.

The boys looked at John. ”Have you seen any signs?” asked George.

<script>