of
the machinery were not to be found and substitutes had to be made.

The unvarying calm and sultry heat persisted.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE ISLAND OF BOHOOLA.

But there is an end to all things, and at last the long wished for
breeze sprang up. The sails filled once more, the ship sped on and hope
revived.

A welcome sound at noon the next day brought everyone on deck.

"Land, ho!" called the forward watch.

"Where away!" shouted the mate who was on duty.

"Off the starboard bow!"

The captain had just finished his task of determining their location,
and had recognized the fact that the island they sought might be near at
hand.

The hours went by more swiftly now, all watching interestedly the new
field of their endeavor, the Treasure Isle. Would they find fortune and
a successful ending to their venture? Oddly enough the thought uppermost
in the minds of all was the possible abundant supply, not of treasure,
but of fresh water and something good to eat.

The land which they were rapidly approaching appeared to be of
considerable extent. Headlands, it was seen, rose somewhat abruptly from
the sea. At their base they could see a line of white caused by the
incessant action of the waves as they broke upon the shore.

"It doesn't seem as if there was any place to make a landing," said the
professor, looking at the long line of breakers and the spray that was
flung in the air.

"Can't tell until you are close in," replied the captain. "We'll run
along the shore a ways."

Continuing thus till within half a mile of the coast, the yacht was
brought about, and with sails close hauled, followed its contour for
quite some time without success.

"Looks like a bit of smooth water over there," said the captain,
indicating a place in the near distance. "Bring her up to the wind," he
ordered. "We will take a look into it."

The yacht had now been brought about and with sheets eased off she was
drifting slowly on the tide.

"Who will compose the first landing party?" asked the captain.

"Jim, Juarez and myself," answered the professor. "The steward and one
of the crew to row."

The boat was launched and equipped. One empty water cask and a bucket
was carried along. Was the island inhabited? From the ship's deck no
sign of life was discernible to the naked eye or indeed by careful
search with the spy glass. The party went, however, fully armed and
prepared for any emergency.

There was, they found, a rec