The coasts of China, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines are not equipped with lighthouses on every headland and cordoned with telegraph wires.

There are river pirates and savage races to be reckoned with.

Casting aside all other possibilities, and assuming that a prompt search is made to the south of our course, this part of the ocean is full of reefs and small islands, some inhabited permanently, others visited occasionally by fishermen." He was about to add something, but checked himself.
"To sum up," he continued hurriedly, "we may have to remain here for many days, even months.

There is always a chance of speedy help.

We must act, however, on the basis of detention for an indefinite period.
I am discussing appearances as they are.