lf a mile distant, a flying proa was seen, speeding
with great swiftness over the water, while a number of dark figures
were discovered on the deck, evidently looking with no little
curiosity at the white men.

The singular craft, however, came no nearer, and soon vanished in the
distance. Its appearance caused some apprehension and uneasiness on
the part of our friends, and after discussing the matter they decided,
as a matter of precaution, to bury the pearls.

Inez was persuaded, without difficulty, to trust hers to the keeping
of her friends, who dug a small well in the sand, and inclosing the
entire number of pearls in strong canvas bags, made for that purpose,
buried them out of sight, there to remain until one or both of the men
should choose to dig them up again, and it was agreed that that should
not be done until the way opened for them to leave the island.

The long afternoon was well advanced when this task was completed,
they fixing the precise spot so clearly in their minds that there was
no necessity of landmarks, either being sure of finding it whenever it
should become necessary.

"It seems to me the swells are larger than usual, and they make more
noise when they break upon the beach," observed Mr. Storms, looking
curiously at the sky.

They had just dumped back the remains of the pearl-oysters into the
sea, so as to leave no trace of their work, and Captain Bergen
straightened up and surveyed the sky.

"There's a storm coming--a regular screamer! Look, by the great horn
spoon!" he added, in no little excitement.

There was good cause for the emotion of the captain, for the light of
the sun was obscured by a thick, yellow haze, which was fast
overspreading the sky, and, far out to sea, the long line of mist
seemed to be churning the water into foam, and to be advancing rapidly
toward the island, where stood the two men contemplating the coming
fury of the elements.

The light of the sun was obscured, and there was a perceptible
chilliness in the air, and the barometer--which they had brought from
the _Coral_--showed a most startling change. One of the fiercest of
the tropical tempests was gathering, and was sure to break upon the
island in a few minutes.

This was alarming to contemplate, for the men knew well what kind of
elemental disturbances spring up on the shortest notice in the South
Seas. But it was not this alone which startled them.

Looking directly out to sea, toward the yeasty