Poor Morley sighed again, and looked eagerly at the chart; thereon, by three spans of his hand, he could compass the world of waters that lay between him and Ethel Basset.
On the 6th July, the Princess was in latitude 19 deg. 57 min. south; longitude, 37 deg. 48 min. west; and Cabo Frio (or the cold cape of South America) bore about forty-five miles to the westward.
They were drawing very near Rio de Janeiro, and many ships bound for the same quarter were in sight daily.
The trade-wind continued steady and fine; Morley looked with keen interest on the ships that veered from time to time in sight. Among them all, might be one that would have a freight for the Isle of France.
To search for such was to be his first object and occupation on landing; and worthy Tom Bartelot assured him that money should not be wanting to further his double purpose of joining Ethel and punishing Cramply Hawkshaw.
"But, ah, Tom," said he, on one occasion, "how, or when, is a poor devil such as I to repay you?"
"Think of that when the time comes," said Tom, laughing.
About 10 A.M., on the morning of the 9th, the look-out man, old Noah Gawthrop, who was in the forecrosstrees, sung out, in his queer voice:
"Land a-head!"
"Where away?" asked Morrison, jumping off the companion seat.