torted Ned; "and I cannot
account for the appearance of that island except upon the supposition
that this particular portion of the ocean has never yet been thoroughly
examined, and that therefore the island ahead has never been observed
and set down on the chart. One thing at all events is certain, and that
is that, as I said last night, the chart shows a clear sea a long way
ahead of us."

"Bring the chart to me, and let me have another look at it," growled
Williams.

Ned produced the chart and spread it out on the deck, when Williams
kneeled down and examined it for some time with very evident suspicion,
not scrupling at last to hint pretty plainly his impression that Ned had
deliberately intended to cast away the ship. Of course Ned indignantly
repudiated any such intention, and at length apparently succeeded in
partially reassuring Williams, who finally grumbled out; "Well, if what
you say be true, the only conclusion we can come to is that yonder
island has never yet been visited by civilised beings; and if that is
the case it is all the more suitable a spot on which to land some of our
useless live lumber. So go aft and tell the passengers to pack up their
traps at once, as I am about to put them ashore. And tell the boatswain
to open the after-hatch and to pass these people's dunnage on deck all
ready for sending ashore with them. I am quite tired of running about
looking for a suitable spot for them, and will look no further. They
will have to do the best they can yonder, savages or no savages."

Ned hurried aft to the poop, on which the little group of ladies and
gentlemen was congregated, and delivered his message, adding:

"I am very glad--in some respects--that you are going, for I may now
tell you that unconsciously you have been in some sort acting as
hostages for my good behaviour, and I have been dreadfully afraid that
some involuntary slip on my part might complicate matters for you. When
once you are all safely out of the ship I shall feel more at liberty to
take a few risks, if I can see that any good is likely to arise
therefrom. I was at first in hopes that Captain Blyth and young Manners
would have been put on shore with you, in which case I would have joined
you, even if I had had to swim for it; but I am afraid Williams--the
scoundrel--intends to land them elsewhere, in which case I am sure it is
my duty to stick to the ship so long as they remain on board. But, at
all events, I wil