ation of Walter's note was entirely wrong,"
said John. "In any event it is certain that we are more than thirty
leagues from Wonder Island, and not in the direction he pointed out."

"Then it is likely that if there is an island which will fit the place,
it must be to the north," said Harry.

"That would be a natural conclusion," he answered. "It has occurred to
me that the natural place for an island would be to the north."

The boys looked at him with surprise. "What makes you think so?" asked
George.

"I judged so, merely from the conformation of this island."

"What is there in the island that makes you think so?"

"You have noticed that the island is very narrow east and west, and very
much longer north and south."

"Yes; but that still does not make it plain to me."

"The island may be like the ridge of a mountain cropping out of the
ocean. For instance, the Andes and the Sierras in the United States run
north and south. Now suppose the ocean should cover the land, those
mountains would form islands which would naturally be north and south of
each other, and the islands themselves would be longer north and south
than east and west."

"I see the idea. But we might find them to the south of this island, as
well."

"Certainly; but as the northern section brings us nearer the supposed
thirty leagues, we should, I think, make the investigation there first."

It was necessary that Sutoto should go back to Wonder Island. His
position as Chief of the Berees made this essential. Furthermore, the
age of the Professor made traveling and the hardships of investigating
on foot a hard task, and besides it was necessary to take back the
visitors.

"I have suggested to the Chief that we shall return, and have invited
him to accompany us, and I am gratified to say that he has accepted. We
shall, therefore, be ready to return within a few days," said the
Professor.

"Have you said anything to him about the contemplated visit to Hutoton?"
asked John.

"No; but I shall do so at once."

"Oh! that will give us an opportunity to take the paralytic back with
us," suggested Harry.

"Yes; that will be the reason for our stopping there."

"Wouldn't it be a good idea to sail to the north, and investigate in
that direction, on our way home?" remarked George.

"That has occurred to me."

The Chief gave careful instructions to his son, Calmo, in view of his
proposed trip, and informed the Professor that he was anxious t