“Wonder what’s the trouble?” mused Bob, his keen eyes searching the horizon. “We should be there by now.”
“True,” answered his father. “But don’t forget that a ship isn’t exactly like a train. It is much harder to stick closely to time tables on an ocean voyage.”
Notwithstanding this, two o’clock rolled around without any sight of the city of their destination. Many of the passengers were beginning to worry, for they could not conceive of straying so far from the schedule.
Even Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis were starting to wonder. They remained anxiously at the prow, straining their eyes to make out the outlines of the city.
Suddenly, when a heavy cloud lifted, Joe gave a cry of delight.
“It’s land!” he exclaimed, pointing far out over the water. “It won’t be long now.”
Gradually the outlines of the shore line became more distinct, and at last the passengers could make out luxurious tropical vegetation.
“But where’s Mombasa?” demanded Bob, scanning the landscape.
“Looks like it isn’t there,” answered Mr. Lewis.
“What do you mean, Dad?” Joe inquired.