s all right from the feeling of that sun," said
John.

All day long the little party drifted idly about on the ocean. The water
was almost still, as there was hardly a breath of air stirring. Not a
sail appeared to break the monotony of the scene and the boys began to
feel worried. The sun was scorching and they had no protection at all.
Finally, night came with a welcome fall in temperature, but otherwise
they were not one whit better off. They seemed just as far from rescue
as ever.

CHAPTER IX

IN SEARCH OF LAND

When next the sun rose it shone upon a very disconsolate and discouraged
little band. The four boys and their negro companion were becoming very
downhearted. Thus far they had not seen a sign of a boat. It almost
seemed as if they were on a desert ocean, for in these days of
world-wide commerce there are few nooks and crannies of the seven seas
not visited by the merchant fleets.

Sam was the most cheerful person on board. Food and sleep had restored
his spirits wonderfully and with the characteristic trait of his race,
he was almost satisfied as long as he had those two things. No one had
mentioned his fight with Petersen to him. If he did not remember it,
there was no use in telling him about it. The four boys decided to watch
him closely, however, in case he was acting a part. If such was the case
he would surely betray himself sooner or later.

The sun was just a little way above the horizon and a scanty breakfast
was being served on board the boat. John had just arisen from his seat
to help himself to a big sailor-cracker. He turned and glanced at the
newly risen sun and suddenly stopped short, the cracker half way to his
mouth.

"What's the matter, String?" demanded Fred, noticing his friend's
action.

"Land!" cried John, excitedly.

"Where?" exclaimed the others in one breath, at the same time springing
to their feet utterly regardless of whether the boat upset or not.

"Right over there," said John, pointing. "I see hills and palm trees."

"Well, I don't," exclaimed George a moment later. "You're dreaming,
String."

"I am not," said John insistently. "Don't any of you fellows see it?"

"It's a mirage," said Grant. "You don't see anything, String."

"Mirage, nothing!" cried John hotly. "I see land and if you all weren't
so stupid you'd see it too."

"Maybe you can see it because you are so much taller than we are,"
suggested Fred.

"Stand up on one of the seats then," sai