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224 We were now approaching those mountains which I mentioned in the earlier chapters of my tale, and, consequently, our progress was much slower.

"It's a good thing that it remains dry," said Dan, as we toiled up one hill and down another. "I don't want any thunderstorms."

"No, especially if the lightning is going to strike close by," I added. "I wish we were in sight of the sea."

"I think we'll reach it by to-morrow."

My chum's surmise was correct, for about noon of the day following we came out upon the shore of the China Sea, close to the point where I had been cast up in company with Watt Brown and several others.

"This looks a bit familiar," I cried, as I ran out on the sand.

"Hi! be careful," shouted Dan. "Do you want those Tagals to spot you?"

"Not much!" I returned, and scampered for shelter with equal alacrity. After that I proceeded with more caution.

It was determined to push on without delay to where the Dart had come ashore. This would bring us in the vicinity of the stranded craft about nightfall and enable us to take in the situation under cover of the darkness.

It was about four o'clock, and we reckoned