"Did they not seem a very long way off from you?" Mr. Wolston asked.
"Yes; about twenty-five miles," Ernest replied.
"I am sure Ernest has mapped out a journey already," said Hannah with a smile.
"I confess I have, Hannah," the young man answered, "and I am longing to be able to draw an accurate map of the whole of our New Switzerland."
"My good people," said M. Zermatt, "this is what I suggest to begin to satisfy Mr. Wolston."
"Agreed to in advance!" replied Jack.
"Wait, you impatient fellow! It will be ten or twelve days before we are required for the second harvest, and if you like we will spend half that time in visiting the portion of the island which skirts the eastern shore."
"And while M. Zermatt with his two sons and Mr. Wolston are on this trip," Mrs. Wolston objected disapprovingly, "Mme. Zermatt, Hannah and I are to remain alone at Rock Castle; is that it?"
"No, Mrs. Wolston," M. Zermatt answered; "the pinnace will hold us all."
"When do we start?" cried Jack. "To-day?"