"Yes; but that still does not make it plain to me."
"The island may be like the ridge of a mountain cropping out of the ocean. For instance, the Andes and the Sierras in the United States run north and south. Now suppose the ocean should cover the land, those mountains would form islands which would naturally be north and south of each other, and the islands themselves would be longer north and south than east and west."
"I see the idea. But we might find them to the south of this island, as well."
"Certainly; but as the northern section brings us nearer the supposed thirty leagues, we should, I think, make the investigation there first."
It was necessary that Sutoto should go back to[p. 209] Wonder Island. His position as Chief of the Berees made this essential. Furthermore, the age of the Professor made traveling and the hardships of investigating on foot a hard task, and besides it was necessary to take back the visitors.
"I have suggested to the Chief that we shall return, and have invited him to accompany us, and I am gratified to say that he has accepted. We shall, therefore, be ready to return within a few days," said the Professor.
"Have you said anything to him about the contemplated visit to Hutoton?" asked John.
"No; but I shall do so at once."
"Oh! that will give us an opportunity to take the paralytic back with us," suggested Harry.
"Yes; that will be the reason for our stopping there."