ng the colony
of Lincoln Island of two settlers out of five."

"Out of six," answered Pencroft; "you forget Jup."

"Out of seven," added Neb; "Top is quite worth another."

"There is no risk at all in it, captain," replied Pencroft.

"That is possible, Pencroft; but I repeat it is to expose ourselves
uselessly."

The obstinate sailor did not reply, and let the conversation drop,
quite determined to resume it again. But he did not suspect that an
incident would come to his aid and change into an act of humanity that
which was at first only a doubtful whim.

After standing off the shore the _Bonadventure_ again approached it in
the direction of Port Balloon. It was important to ascertain the
channels between the sandbanks and reefs, that buoys might be laid
down, since this little creek was to be the harbour.

They were not more than half a mile from the coast, and it was
necessary to tack to beat against the wind. The _Bonadventure_ was
then going at a very moderate rate, as the breeze, partly intercepted
by the high land, scarcely swelled her sails, and the sea, smooth as
glass, was only rippled now and then by passing gusts.

Herbert had stationed himself in the bows that he might indicate the
course to be followed among the channels, when all at once he
shouted,--

"Luff, Pencroft, luff!"

"What's the matter," replied the sailor, "a rock?"

"No--wait," said Herbert, "I don't quite see. Luff again--right--now."

So saying, Herbert leaning over the side, plunged his arm into the
water and pulled it out, exclaiming,--

"A bottle!"

He held in his hand a corked bottle which he had just seized a few
cables' length from the shore.

Cyrus Harding took the bottle Without uttering a single word he drew
the cork, and took from it a damp paper, on which were written these
words:--

"Castaway ... Tabor Island: 153 deg. W long, 37 deg. 11' S lat."

[Illustration: "LUFF, PENCROFT, LUFF!"]

CHAPTER XIII

Departure decided upon -- Conjectures -- Preparations -- The
three Passengers -- First Night -- Second Night -- Tabor
Island -- Searching the Shore -- Searching the Wood -- No
one -- Animals -- Plants -- A Dwelling -- Deserted.

"A castaway!" exclaimed Pencroft; "left on this Tabor Island not two
hundred miles from us! Ah, Captain Harding, you won't now oppose my
going."

"No, Pencroft," replied Cyrus Harding; "and you shall set out as soon
as possible."

"To-morrow?"

"To-mor