Burlinghame shook his head.
"I am puzzled," he said. "We circled the entire coast, yet nowhere did we see any evidence of a man-improved harbor, such as one might have reason to expect were there really a colony of advanced humans in the interior. There would have been at least a shack near the beach in one of the several natural harbors which indent the coast line was there even an occasional steamer touching for purposes of commerce with the colonists.
"No, my friends," he continued, "as much as I should like to believe it my judgment will not permit me to place any such translation upon Waldo's letter.
"That he is safe and happy seems evident, and that is enough for us to know. Now it should be a simple matter for us to find him—if it is still your desire to send for him."
"He may already have left for Boston," said Mrs. Smith-Jones; "his letter was written several months ago."
Again Burlinghame shook his head.
"Do not bank on that, my dear madam," he said kindly. "It may be fifty years before another vessel touches that forgotten shore—unless it be one which you yourselves send."
John Alden Smith-Jones sprang to his feet, and commenced pacing up and down the library.
"How soon can the Priscilla be put in shape to make the return voyage to the island?" he asked.
"It can be done in a week, if necessary," replied Burlinghame.