noon
Breakfast over , Ben announced that the first thing to do was to try to find out where they could be . It was agreed for this purpose to advance along the beach for five miles or so in opposite directions , the group being formed into two parties for the purpose . Harry and Frank paired off in one party and Ben Stubbs and Billy formed the other . They were to meet at noon or as soon thereafter as possible and compare notes . Frank and Harry tramped resolutely along the beach under a baking hot sun till they felt as if they were going to drop , but they held pluckily on , fortunately having found several springs along their line of march . From time to time they eagerly scanned the expanse of sparkling sea that stretched before them ; but it was as empty of life as a desert . `` Do you suppose the ship will make a search for us ? ''