"What reason have you for thinking so?"
"Simply because the mountains were not, apparently, far inland, and it seems to me that the promontory is merely an extension of the mountains or the high ridge we saw."
"I would certainly feel more comfortable," continued George "if I knew we were anywhere near the river."
But some decision must be made, and that without delay. If they were near West River the distance home was fully seventy-five miles. Preparations must be made for the trip on foot. The boat was, probably, in as safe a condition as it could be higher up, nevertheless it was concluded to take no chances, and all the provisions were removed, and by means of levers and blocks, it was carried inland fully thirty feet farther. A good supply of provisions was then taken, the guns and ammunition removed, and put in separate piles, and arranged in convenient packages for easy transportation.
The residue was carefully stored within the housed enclosure, and carefully covered over. What grieved them most was the bedding, which must be left, but the Professor insisted that all the articles of ramie, which would afford some covering, should be taken along. They would now be compelled to sleep in the open air, with nothing else to cover them.
With a last look at their ship, they moved toward the east with heavy hearts.
Harry stopped before they had gone far. "It occurs to me that we ought to put some inscription on the boat. If any of our friends should discover the boat it might guide them to us."
"That is a capital idea," answered the Professor; and they returned to put up the proper notice.
It was past noon, but they hoped to cover at least ten miles before evening should set in, but the way was rough and broken. "I think," mused the Professor, as they halted on the journey, "we made a mistake in not following the seashore. The only reason that prompted me to take this course was the appearance of the shore to the east of our landing place. It looked so uninviting that I felt sure we should find traveling inland more comfortable."
During the first five miles of the journey the ascent was gradual, but not steep, at any place, but now the land gradually showed a change in character, growing smoother and more open, and they knew the grade had changed and was taking them down to a lower level.