They were unseen, or at least not followed, from any of the islands that they passed on their way.
But it was ten days after their final start before a large island, which they all recognized as Ternate, was seen rising above the water.
"Easy all," Ned said.

"We may be thankful, indeed, that we have arrived safely in sight of the island.

But now that we are close, and there is no fear of tempests, had we not better talk over whether, after all, we shall land at Ternate ?" "Not land at Ternate ?" the others exclaimed in consternation; for indeed, the work during the last few days had been very heavy, and they were rejoicing at the thought of an end to their labors "Why, we thought it was arranged, all along, we should stop at Ternate." "Yes, but we arranged that because at Ternate, alone, there seemed a certainty of a welcome.

But, as you know, Tidore only lies twelve miles away from Ternate; and from the position we are now in, it will not be more than five or six miles farther.
"You see, when we were there, the king was preparing for a war with the Portuguese in Tidore, and he would certainly expect us to assist him, and probably to lead his fighting men." "But we should have no objection to that," Reuben said.
"Not in the least," Ned replied.

"But you see, if we are ever to get back to England, it must be through the Portuguese.