“We must have landed on an island instead of on the mainland,” said Ned. “In some way the island got adrift.”
“I think we landed on the main land all right,” said Uriah Snodgrass, “but what happened was this: These everglades are not much more than floating masses of vegetation, several feet thick it is true, and capable of supporting large trees. But the fury of the storm probably cut off from the main land the portion we’re on. It floated off and took us with it. We’re in the middle of the lake.”
“Where’s our boat?” asked Jerry.
“Back where you moored it, probably, unless it has also drifted with us,” replied Mr. Snodgrass.
“Then we’re in for a lot of trouble,” exclaimed Ned. “What shall we do?”
“We’d better make some explorations,” suggested the professor. “It’s stopped raining. We’ll try and discover how large our island is.”
They looked to see that Bob was comfortable, and found him sleeping. Placing some water where he could reach it, the three set off expecting to be back in half an hour or so.
Through the woods they went, seeking to get to the other side of the floating island to look for their boat. It was hard work tramping through the underbrush, and they needed all the protection which their heavy oil-skin coats and rubber boots gave them. On and on they went, taking little heed of direction, for they were all anxious and worried.
But the island seemed very large. They had left the shores and were well into the interior. It was dark and gloomy for the sky was overcast. Suddenly the professor called:
“Boys, let’s halt a minute.”