With the exception of filling the water-casks the Zoe was ready for sea, and on this evening a very interesting and important discussion took place in the cabin, which was now used as a sleeping apartment, the hangings and upholstering having dried very quickly in the hot climate.
“It is time we settled upon the course we are to steer,” Ned said when the three were enjoying the few moments of rest before going to bed. “I count on leavin’ this port by nine o’clock to-morrow, and the matter had better be settled now.”
“We have yet to fill the water-casks, but that can’t take more than a couple of hours.”
“It seems that you are counting on having a wind?”
“I’m hoping for one, but if it’s calm we shall be forced to lay here a spell longer. In case of a breeze what course shall we steer?”
“I think we’d better run pretty near west until land is sighted, and then, if that proves to be an uninhabited key like this one, we can steer a little southerly. I saw a chart of the coast which the mate of the Evening Star had, and from that it seemed as if we should be able to get into Key West without losin’ sight of land after we get among the keys.”
“It seems to me as if it would be better to steer very nearly due north in the hope of striking the reefs. If after sailing a couple of days we shouldn’t find what we wanted, it would be an easy matter to put back,” Roy said, knowing full well that Vance would object to such a course.
“It seems to me that would be a waste of time. Why not do as Ned suggests and turn back from that course if we don’t get a squint of the land? It is as broad as it is long, but I believe we shall be nearer right in following his plan.”
Roy was not willing to give in so easily, and during the next half-hour quite a heated discussion ensued, but at the end of that time he withdrew very gracefully by saying:
“There’s no reason why we should talk so much about what is virtually settled already. You fellows are in the majority, consequently there is nothing to do but let you have your own way. It may be I am in the wrong, for the whole thing is a matter of guesswork, and I can only say I hope you are right, for then we shall arrive at Key West so much the sooner. It seems as if we should get there before our parents have had time to worry about us.”