Later on he was reminded of that wish by Jack, for they certainly found such a spot, as future events proved.
By climbing to a considerable height it was found that they could avoid the uncomfortable experiences that had befallen them closer to the surface of the ocean. Here the sun was shining, and while clouds floated around them there was no longer a chance of the plane being inverted.
Jack could make out land at times, though still faintly seen, and lying low on the uncertain horizon.
"I wonder if that can be Virginia I see?" he sometimes said; but talking more to himself than trying to make the others hear.
"It isn't far away at most, Jack," Beverly assured him; for he sympathized with Jack and the reason the other had for longing to get to the home town ahead of his scheming cousin.
"Show me the chart and just about where we ought to be right now, Tom," said Jack. "That is, if it's no trouble."
"No trouble to do it," came the quick reply, and with a pencil Tom made a cross on the chart while Jack's eyes danced with joy.
"Then that must be Virginia off there to the west!" he cried, again snatching up the glasses for another earnest look.
Tom watched him out of the corner of his eye. Well did he know that as Jack feasted his gaze upon the far distant land in imagination he was seeing that dearly loved home, with the friends who were so precious to him, and in fancy receiving their warm greetings.
They continued on for some little time. Tom felt pretty confident that he was correct, though he would be glad to have some confirmation of his figuring.