"I wonder what makes it hold together?
It ought to disintegrate." "Dis what ?" asked Billy.
"Disintegrate--that's Latin for falling to pieces." "Maybe the roots hold it together," said Roland.
"It ought to dissolve," said Townsend.

"This land doesn't seem to be soluble in water.

The coast all around ought to wash away.

There is something mysterious here.

This island is as solid as a pancake; I don't understand it.