Part 24 (2/2)

”Our folks started for Guadeloupe--that's here,” and he indicated the island which bears not a little resemblance to an hour-gla.s.s on the map. Guadeloupe, in fact, consists of two islands, separated by a narrow arm of the sea--Riviere Salee--which divides it by a channel of from one hundred to four hundred feet in width.

”Whether they arrived is of course open to question,” said Jack.

”I'm inclined to think they didn't, or we'd have heard from them.

The storm came before the s.h.i.+p got anywhere near there. Now, then, I think we shall have to look for them somewhere between Porto Rico and Guadeloupe.”

”Why not near St. Kitts?” asked Walter, covering with his finger the little island that is included in the discoveries of Columbus.

”That's near where the two sailors were picked up,” Walter went on.

”Yes--I think we ought to go there,” agreed Jack. ”But it's only one of many possible places where our folks may be. It's going to be a long cruise, I'm afraid.”

”Where is Sea Horse Island?” asked Cora, as Inez flashed an appealing look at her.

”Here,” replied Jack, indicating a rather lonesome spot in the watery waste, where no other islands showed. ”It's about half way between Guadeloupe and Aves, or Bird Island. Speaking sailor fas.h.i.+on, its lat.i.tude is about sixteen degrees north of the equator, and the longitude about sixty-two degrees, fifty-one minutes west.”

”Oh, don't!” begged Bess. ”It reminds me of my school days. I never could tell the difference between lat.i.tude and longitude.”

”Well, there's where Sea Horse Island is,” went on Jack, ”and if all had gone well, Mr. Robinson hoped to gather orchids there. Now--?”

he hesitated.

”And do you think we'll touch near there, Jack?” asked his sister.

”I'm going to try.”

”Oh, it is so good of you!” murmured Inez. ”Perhaps we can save my father.”

”At any rate, they ought to allow you to see him,” put in Walter.

”Political prisoners aren't supposed to be kept in solitary confinement. We'll have a try at him, anyhow; eh, Jack?”

”Sure. Well, that's our problem--to search among these islands, and I think we have the very boat to do it.”

Indeed the Tartar was just what they could have desired. It was a powerful motor boat, and had been in commission only a short time.

It could weather a fairly big sea, or a heavy blow. It had a powerful motor, many comforts, and even some luxuries, including a bathroom.

The engine was located forward, where there was a sleeping room for the engineer, who could steer from a small pilot house. Or the craft could also be guided from the after deck, which was open.

There was a large enclosed s.p.a.ce, variously divided into cabins and staterooms. A kitchen provided for ample meals, the cooking being done by the exhausted and heated gases from the motor, which also warmed the boat on the few days when the weather was rainy and chilly. When the motor was not running, a gasoline stove could be used.

Adjoining the kitchen was the dining cabin, which had folding seats that could be used for berths when more than could be accommodated in the regular sleeping s.p.a.ces were aboard.

There were two other cabins, fitted with folding berths, and the smaller of these was apportioned to Jack and Walter, while the girls took possession of the larger one. In addition, there were ample lockers and s.p.a.ces for storing away food, and the other things they had brought with them. A considerable supply of gasoline had to be carried, but there were several islands where more could be purchased.

”Isn't it just the dearest boat!” murmured Belle, as she made a tour of it, and had peeped into the engine compartment.

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