lessening, enthusiasm. "We'll just have to do something, and I can't
think of anything better to do--can you? than going off in search of
the folks."

"We simply must find them--if they're alive," spoke Bess, rather
solemnly.

"We'll find them--alive!" predicted Walter, joining his cheerful
efforts to those of his college chum.

"Oh, you Americans--you are so wonderful, so amazing!" whispered
Inez. "I am so glad I am wiz you," and she divided her affectionate
looks impartially between Jack and his sister.

"What do you think of it, Captain?" asked Walter of the skipper of
the steamship. "Is it possible to go about down among these islands
in a big motor boat?"

"Yes, if the boat be large enough, and seaworthy."

"I'm thinking of the Tartar," said Jack. "I heard of her from the
engineer of the boat we came out in just now."

"Oh, the Tartar. Yes, she is a very fine boat, and quite safe,
except in a very bad storm."

"Oh!" gasped Bess.

"But you are not likely to have bad blows now," the captain went on,
"especially after this one we've just passed through. It is the last