ntain in broad streams, some making their way
towards the bay in which we lay, others being lost to sight in a deep
gully, apparently on the other side. Now and then loud rumbling sounds
were heard, like the discharge of big guns in rapid succession or the
rattling of thunder; and the watch on deck declared they felt the ship
shake, as if there had been an earthquake. Once, also, a shower of
ashes fell on the ship's deck, the wind having shifted, and blowing from
off the land. The commander, however, did not consider there was any
danger, so we remained quietly at anchor.

The next morning, when the commander and master were preparing to set
off to commence their survey, Mudge asked me if I should like to make a
trip along the coast. Of course I said Yes. As Tom and Harry begged
that they might accompany us, Mudge got leave to take the jolly-boat,
with Tillard, Tamaku, and Popo to assist in pulling. We provided
ourselves with food to last us for the day, put four muskets and a
cutlass apiece into the boat; though, as the island did not appear to be
inhabited, we did not expect to meet with natives. We might, however,
we thought, get a shot at some wild-fowl; and we intended landing
somewhere and lighting a fire to cook our provisions.

Fully expecting to have a pleasant day, we pulled away from the ship.
Shortly afterwards a breeze sprang up, and we made sail, running swiftly
along the shore. Mudge and I had our note-books, in which we noted down
the points and inlets, with the computed distances.

We soon got to the extreme end of the island, and had just doubled it
when I caught sight of a vessel in the offing. I pointed her out to
Mudge. He looked at her through his spy-glass. "She is becalmed," he
observed; "and, Rayner, do you just look at her, and tell me what you
think she is; but speak in a low voice, because I don't want Harry to
hear."

I took the glass, and made out that the vessel was barque-rigged; and
though she was hull down, I felt sure that she was a whaler.

"From the appearance of her sails, I shouldn't be surprised if she was
the _Hopewell_," said Mudge. "I am sure that the commander would wish
us to try and communicate with her, and restore that poor lad to his
parents; and even if it should fall dark before we can get back, the
volcano will serve to guide us."

Of course I was very willing to do as Mudge proposed. We agreed,
however, not to say anything to Harry, lest we should d