“Is it likely, sir?”
But already the Major’s mind had turned to a more important subject.
“I’ve come for that little memorandum, sir.”
“What memorandum?” asked the Captain, quietly.
“The location of the island.”
“Oh; I can’t give it to you,” said the other. “When you left this room yesterday the draft from the open door caught the paper I had made my figures on, and carried it out of the window. So the record is lost.”
“Lost!” The Major stared at him in amazement
“Absolutely lost, sir.”
“Do you mean to tell me you don’t know where that island is?” demanded the Major, fiercely.
“I haven’t the slightest idea of its location. During the night the helmsman altered our course several times, steering by the stars. I think we’re going in the right direction, but I can tell better when I’ve taken our observations for today. Unfortunately, however, that won’t help us to locate the island.”