Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/58

 coast. Before the winter set in there remained to be settled this important question of continent or island.

On the 1st of April the weather gave signs of changing. The barometer slowly rose, and the wind began to moderate. There were unmistakable symptoms of an approaching calm of perhaps longish duration.

The bigger boys discussed the matter, and began to prepare for an expedition, the importance of which was obvious to all.

"I don't think there'll be anything to stop us tomorrow," said Donagan.

"Nothing, I hope," said Briant. "We ought to be ready to get away early."

"I understand," said Gordon, "that the line of water you saw in the east was six or seven miles from the cape."

"Yes," said Briant, " but as the bay is a deep curve, it is possible that the sea may be much nearer here."

"Then," continued Gordon, "you will not be away more than twenty-four hours?"

"That is, if we can go due east. But can we find a way through the forest when we have got round this cliff?"

"Oh! that won't stop us!" said Donagan.

"Perhaps not," said Briant, "but there may be other obstacles — a watercourse, a marsh, who knows? It will be best, I think, to take rations for some days — "

"And ammunition," added Wilcox.

"Quite so," said Briant, "and let it be understood that if we are not back in two days you need not be anxious."

"I shall be anxious if you are away more than half a day," said Gordon. "But that is not the question. As the expedition has been decided on, let it proceed. You have not only to reach this eastern sea, but to reconnoitre the country behind the cliff. This side we have found no cave, and when we leave the schooner we shall have to carry the things where they'll be