“There was a bark called the _Hatteras_ went ashore somewhere around here years ago,” Tempest said at last. “Did you ever hear anything of it?” Joe Flagg rubbed his chin with a pudgy forefinger. “The name is kind of familiar,” he said, “but I don’t place it for the minute. There’s a good many ships have hit trouble in this locality at one time or another.” “Did you ever land on Fanning Island?” Dave asked. “Why, yes, more than once,” replied Flagg. “We sheltered under there three days last fall when it was blowing hard.” “Do you know any of the islands to the south of there――in the direction of Christmas Island, I mean?” asked Tempest. “Yes, in a way,” Flagg said. “There aren’t many of ’em till you get nearer the equator. Pretty lonely spots too, let me tell you.” “Did you ever notice a wreck on one of them?” Dave said. “More than one,” replied their host, “but I don’t remember anything particular about any of ’em. The sea doesn’t leave much of them except a few ribs after a year or so.” Again Dave and Tempest exchanged glances. “I wonder whether you happen to know of an island round about there that has a biggish hill on it that looks like a camel’s back,” Tempest said. “There is one with a hill on it,” replied Flagg, reaching for a chart, “and that may be the one you’re talking of. You see, they’re all very low in the water. That island with the hill must have been bumped up by an earthquake or something. I never noticed a camel’s back on it, but you’d probably only see the resemblance from one side. I’m not quite sure, but I think this is it,” he went on, indicating the point on the chart with the stem of his pipe. “You thinking of setting up a real estate business there?” he asked, with an amused smile. “I give you my word that it’s one dreary place.” How many times had Dave and Tempest pored over their chart and speculated idly on which of the little dots indicated the island that was their goal! “It certainly does just about fit in, doesn’t it?” Tempest said to Dave with a touch of enthusiasm. “We’ll make for there first, anyway.” “Well, it’s none of my business,” said Mr. Flagg, “but if there’s any way I can help you, put a name to it.”