"Now put out of your mind the idea that we are not to see all hands some time," Jake replied quite sharply. "I'm willing to admit that they may not strike here, for I might as well own up to the truth, and say the chances are against two boats coming so far and hitting the same spot on the coast. That doesn't prove, however, that there has been any further disaster."
"Then you do believe that they won't come here?"
"Yes."
"Why haven't you proposed to make some change?"
"I didn't want to say anything until we were certain the boats wouldn't heave in sight. I shouldn't advise making a move yet awhile; but since you've broached the subject we may as well talk plainly."
"Do you think we are likely to be taken off by a vessel?"
"The fact that none have passed within our line of vision certainly shows that such a chance is slim. I have come to the conclusion that we are not on the island of Cuba, and it stands us in hand to try for some town or sea-port. We might stay here a month, and then have a craft heave in sight when the surf run so high as to prevent a boat landing."
"What do you want to do?"
"Strike straight through the woods. There must be people living here somewhere, and the sooner we find them the sooner we'll get home."
"Why not follow along the beach?"