That the others heartily seconded the motion may be imagined. In fact, as they all realized to the full, they owed their lives directly to Tom Jesson’s pluck and brains and his able assistant, Ned Bangs. Jupe, too, came in for his share of praise, for the old colored man had behaved in the great emergency through which they had passed, with remarkable coolness and ability. As Tom concluded his story. Jack glanced at the barograph. They had risen to three thousand feet, and were moving in a westerly direction. So engrossed had they all been in discussing their wonderful escape, that they had really hardly noticed in what course they were sailing. “I think it’s time that we decided on a destination,” said Jack, as he noted these things. “Why not try for Lone Island?” said Mr. Jesson. “The _Sea King_ should be there, and——” Jack shook his head. “The Flying Road Racer couldn’t fly as far as that?” asked Captain Andrews, who had been glancing about him at all points of the compass while this talk was going on. “She could fly as far as that under normal conditions,” was the reply; “but not with such a load on board. We are using up fuel at twice the usual rate, and might have to descend to make more gas for running purposes.” “Can’t we refill the reservoir in mid-air?” Mr. Jesson asked the question. “Too dangerous, except in case of absolute necessity,” said Jack; “it could be done, but there is a certain amount of risk.” “I think, then, that we had better head about and make for the sea-coast where the _Vagrant_ is hidden,” said Professor Chadwick. “I don’t agree with you there,” said Captain Andrews positively. “Why not?” “Well, in the first place, during the next few days Herrera is going to go through all that vicinity with a fine-tooth comb. He won’t let the gems slip through his fingers without some sort of a battle for them, you can bet.” “What would your advice be, then?” “To make for the mountains yonder with all speed. We can lie snugly hidden there for a short time, and can form some definite plan. We are all too much tired and overwrought now to discuss such things intelligently.” “I think you are right. I know that, now that the strain is over, I feel like taking a long sleep,” said Mr. Jesson. “Then let us head right on as we are going,” suggested Jack. “That range of hills doesn’t look so very far off. We ought to get there before afternoon. That will give us time to make camp and get things snug for the night.” And so it was arranged. But Captain Andrews still kept casting anxious glances back toward the coast line. “What’s the trouble. Captain?” asked Jack presently, noting a trace of uneasiness on the old sailor’s countenance. “Why, lad, I don’t much like the look of the weather yonder. See that gray haze that’s spreading over the sky so quick? That means wind, and maybe worse, or my name ain’t Sam Andrews.” “Good gracious!” exclaimed Jack, “we’re in no fix to battle with a storm.”