y the
chances are against two boats coming so far and hitting the same spot on
the coast. That doesn't prove, however, that there has been any further
disaster."

"Then you do believe that they won't come here?"

"Yes."

"Why haven't you proposed to make some change?"

"I didn't want to say anything until we were certain the boats wouldn't
heave in sight. I shouldn't advise making a move yet awhile; but since
you've broached the subject we may as well talk plainly."

"Do you think we are likely to be taken off by a vessel?"

"The fact that none have passed within our line of vision certainly
shows that such a chance is slim. I have come to the conclusion that we
are not on the island of Cuba, and it stands us in hand to try for some
town or sea-port. We might stay here a month, and then have a craft
heave in sight when the surf run so high as to prevent a boat landing."

"What do you want to do?"

"Strike straight through the woods. There must be people living here
somewhere, and the sooner we find them the sooner we'll get home."

"Why not follow along the beach?"

"Because, if this is an island, as it surely must be, we could get
across quicker than around, and, besides, with all these coral rocks the
beach is not the best sort of a road for traveling, loaded down as we
shall be."

Neal was silent for a moment, and Teddy took advantage of the
opportunity to ask:

"When do you think we ought to make a move?"

"My idea is that we should stay here to-day (our supply of water won't
last much longer), and start early to-morrow morning. That would be time
enough to prove whether the boats are coming, and give us a chance to
get the traps into proper shape for carrying."

"You know best what should be done," Neal said, speaking slowly, "and I
am ready to do as you propose."

"Now that is what I call sensible talk," Jake replied, in a tone of
satisfaction. "By buckling right down to work, and putting out of our
minds all unpleasant thoughts, for it don't do any good to moon over
what can't be changed, we shall soon get out of this scrape."

Neal remained silent. To leave the coast seemed like deserting his
father, and although he knew Jake's plan should be carried out, it made
him sad to think of going where it would be no longer possible to see
the ocean.

Teddy, however, experienced a sense of relief as soon as it was decided
to enter the forest in search of human beings. To him the place was
anything