3 Land Ho!

Chapter 3 Land Ho! "Do you see land anywhere?" Max asked, shading his eyes. Sofia shook her head. The waves glittered like crystals under the dazzling afternoon sun. The deck rocked gently beneath her feet, and she glanced down. "Hey, look!"

Max leaned over the rail, following her gaze to

where Wind Rider was painted across the side of the boat. Each bright white letter stood out clearly against the navy-blue hull. "The paint looks brand-new!" he cried. "Everything looks brand-new," said Sofia, staring at the crisp white sail billowing overhead. "But how?" asked Max. "I have no idea," said Sofia. "But I want to see more!" She turned toward the hatch that led belowdecks. The metal handle that she'd broken off was fixed and shone brightly against the smooth wooden planks. She grabbed it and threw open the hatch. She scurried down the ladder into the cabin, shaking her head in wonder, with Max right behind.

Golden afternoon sunlight poured through the

portholes, casting a warm glow inside. Pots and pans gleamed, hanging from hooks above a sink. Four chairs were pushed neatly against a long wooden table. And books stood straight and tall on a shelf, their spines like a colorful picket fence. Sofia ran her finger along them, reading the titles: The Ultimate Nature Guide. By Land or By Sea. Amazing Animals A to Z. Something clomped across the room, making Sofia jump. "You scared me!" she said, giggling. "Where'd you get that?" Max laughed from behind the snorkeling mask. He took a clumsy step, tripping over the blue fins on his feet. "Chell it ow!" he said. "Huh?" Sofia raised her eyebrows. He pulled the snorkeling mask down. "Sorry. Check it out!" he said again. "That sea chest is full of diving and snorkeling stuff." Sofia looked behind him. A large wooden chest sat snugly between an armchair and some stately wooden shelves. It reminded her of the kind of treasure chest you might read about in a book, but this one had been carved with delicate etchings of dolphins, crabs, birds,

and all other kinds of animals. Just then, something caught Max's eye through one of the portholes. He stepped closer, peering through the glass. Rocky cliffs rose up in the distance. "Land ho!" he cried. Sofia nudged him aside so that she could see, too. "Where are we?" she asked, studying the sandy cove at the base of the cliffs. Smack! An atlas lying on the table beside her suddenly flipped open. Its pages turned as if they'd been caught in a strong wind. When they settled, Sofia stared at the map spread out in the book before her. It showed a string of green islands in a blue sea.