LOST ISLAND
boy's determination to go to sea would never leave him until the salt water was rolling under him. This new notion that had entered his head, of treasure-ships lying waiting to disgorge their precious stores, would most likely add a romantic tinge to his desire, making certain that still another of the Hallards was to take to the roving life.
A day or two later, after supper, Dave produced a school atlas, and pored over it with a pencil and paper, measuring off distances.
"Dad, how long would it take for a bark to sail a hundred and fifty miles?" he asked.
"About a thousand years if there wasn't any wind."
"Yes, but with a fair wind?"
"Oh, maybe a day or two. Why?"
"Then it only takes a day or two to go from Fanning Island to Christmas Island in a bark in a fair wind?" said Dave.
"It depends how long you waste on the way
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