see a low-lying island, which bore a resemblance to the description given them of the lonely land whither they were bound.
"And oh, if only my son proves to be there!" exclaimed the anxious father.
"Let's make a little more speed," suggested Dick, "and we can anchor, plenty of time before night."
The engine room telegraph gave the necessary order, and the yacht slipped through the water more quickly. The island loomed up larger, and, though Dick and his chums could see it plainly now, through the binoculars, there was no sign of life about it.
"Maybe it's only a blind trail they sent us on, after all," suggested Paul.
"I'll not believe that, until we've landed and made a search," cried Dick.
In another hour the Albatross had dropped anchor in a quiet little bay, where there was good holding ground, and sufficient depth of water. They could get a partial view of the island now. It was possibly five miles long, and about half as broad, with a very much broken and indented shore-line, as far as could be seen. There appeared to be a heavy growth of vegetation on the place, which was partly of coral formation, but from the bay, where the yacht was anchored, no very good view could be obtained. The centre of the land was high and rocky, showing evidences of volcanic formation.
