The distance was further than Captain Drake had imagined, the clearness of the air making the land appear nearer than it really was; and it was only after three hours of hard work that they neared it.
It turned out to be an island of about a mile in length, so far as they could judge.

A reef of coral ran round it.

The center of the island was somewhat elevated, and was covered with coconut trees; and it was this, alone, which had enabled it to be seen, from so great a distance, from the deck of the Golden Hind.
Paddling round the reef, they came to an opening and, entering this, found themselves in perfectly smooth water, and were soon on shore.
"Our best way to look for water," Ned said, "will be to follow the beach all round the island.

If there is any stream, we must then come upon it.

We had better take our arms, and haul up the canoe." Ned, although the youngest of the party, being an officer of the ship, was naturally in command.
"It will be hard," Reuben said, "if we do not meet with some adventure.