Part 18 (1/2)
”That's right,” agreed Mr Damon ”In earthquake countries all the houses are low, and built of light materials”
”Ha! So I recollect now,” spoke Mr Fenwick ”I used to read that in ht it would apply to me But do you think ill be subject to the quakes?”
”I'm afraid so,” was Tom's reply ”We've had two, noithin a short ti when the next will come
We will hope there won't be any more, but--”
He did not finish his sentence, but the others knehat he meant
Thereupon they fell to work, and soon had ht and frail, would afford them all the protection needed in that er should an earthquake collapse it, and bring it down about their heads while they were sleeping in it
For they decided that they needed soly uncomfortable to rest on the sands even wrapped in blankets, and with a driftwood fire burning nearby
It was noon when they had their shack rebuilt to their liking, and they stopped for dinner There was quite a variety of stores in the airshi+p, enough for a er party than that of our three friends, and they varied their meals as much as possible Of course all the stuff they had was canned, though there are some salted and smoked meats But canned food can be had in a variety of forms now-a-days, so the castaways did not lackexpedition this afternoon?” asked Toht to find out what kind of an island we're on”
”I agree with you,” came from Mr Fenwick ”Perhaps on the other side ill stand avessel I have been watching the horizon for son of a shi+p”
”All right, then we'll explore, and see what sort of an island we have taken possession of,” went on Tom
”And see if it isn't already in possession of natives--or cannibals,” suggested Mr Da pan! but I should hate to be captured by cannibals at my time of life”
”Don't worry; there are none here,” Toain
They set out on their journey around the island They agreed that it would be best to follow the beach around, as it was easier walking that way, since the interior of the place consisted of rugged rocks in a sort of miniature mountain chain
”We will make a circuit of the place,” proposed Too inland The centre of the island is quite high, and we ought to be able to see in any direction for a great distance fronal a vessel”
”I hope so!” cried Mr Daht My orry when she learns that the airshi+p, in which I set out, has disappeared”
”I fancy we all would like to send word home,” added Mr Fenwick
”My wife never wanted me to build this airshi+p, and, now that I have sailed in it, and have been wrecked, I know she'll say 'I told you so,' as soon as I get back to Philadelphia”
Toht be some tinificant words to her husband
Following the beach line, they walked for several er than they had supposed, and it soon becaet all around it
”In which case ill need so we can do now is to return to caer expedition to-morrow”
Mr Fenas of the sao just beyond that cliff, and see what sort of a view is to be had froe hione more than a hundred yards toward the cliff, than there ca that they had coround began to shi+ver and shake