Пятнадцатилетний капитан / Dick Sand. A Captain at Fifteen. Уровень 2

Weldon incredulously; “what island can it be?”

“The chart perhaps will tell us,” replied Dick; and hurried off to his own cabin. Then he immediately returned with the chart in his hands.

“There, Mrs. Weldon; the land, I suppose it is that little speck in the midst of the Pacific. It must be Easter Island[22 - Easter Island – Остров Пасхи].”

“And do you say,” inquired Mrs. Weldon, “that it is behind us?”

“Yes, entirely.”

“How far is this,” she said Mrs.

“Thirty-five degrees,” answered Dick; “somewhere about 2500 miles.”

“What do you mean?” rejoined the lady astonished; “we made no progress at all! Impossible!”

Dick passed his hand across his brow. He did not know what to say. After an interval of silence, he said,

“I can’t explain this strange delay. It is inexplicable to myself. Maybe the readings of the compass are wrong. But at least we know where we really are.

Chapter XIII

Land at Last

Dick’s sanguine expectations were partially realized. The sea remained exceedingly rough, but the violence of the wind perceptibly diminished.

Mrs. Weldon was the first to leave her imprisonment. She was anxious to speak to Dick.

“Well, Captain Dick, how are you?” she said, as she advanced towards him holding out her hand.

Dick smiled.

“You call me captain, Mrs. Weldon,” he answered, “but you do not submit to captain’s orders. Did I not direct you to keep to your cabin?”

“You did,” replied the lady; “but I could not resist the temptation to disobey you.”

“Yes, madam, I really trust the worst is over now.”

“Thank Heaven!” she replied, and after a few moments’ silence, she added,

“But now, Dick, you must really take some rest; it is absolutely necessary.

“Rest!” the boy repeated; “rest! I want no rest. I only did my duty.”

“You act like a man,” said Mrs. Weldon; “and my husband, like myself, will never forget your services. I am sure he will not refuse, that you will complete your studies, and you will become a captain.”

Tears of gratitude rose to Dick’s eyes. Mrs. Weldon assured him that he was dear as a son to her, and pressed a gentle kiss upon his forehead.