nded, for the sun quickly disappeared. Yet the Crusoes
had seen it, and that was joy enough for once.

And now the days began to lengthen out, but at the same time earthquakes
and thunder-storms became more and more frequent. The lake felt hot
again, and the water tossed about so much at times, that even Flossy was
afraid to venture in to catch the fish she could not live without.

There was a most terrible earthquake-storm about two weeks after the
first sunrise.

Even Tom himself was frightened this time, for the thunderings and
lightnings and explosions were awful, and lasted for three long days.
It was pitch dark all the time, and the rain came down in sheets.

To make matters worse, smoke of a strange red colour was seen on the
hills. It looked as if it came from rents in the mountain-sides, and
there was a smell like burning sulphur in the air.

But this season of terror ended at last; the stars shone out, there was a
fine display of northern lights, and, soon after, the sun rose. A stiff
breeze sprang up, and all the clouds and vapours were blown away, the
last thing seen being a rainbow in the east.

The joy of the Crusoes now knew no bounds. The dogs dashed about, Veevee
barked "Wiff!" Briton barked "Wowff!" and Flossy frisked her tail and
went off to fish.

The children now set out for a stroll, and saw many curious sights. Close
to the lake, in several places, the earth seemed to have been ripped
open, and, looking down as they stood hand in hand on the edge, they
seemed to be gazing right into the world's dark depths.

Next day Tom took a long walk alone. He went to the top of one of the
highest hills, having left his sisters in charge of Frank and Briton, but
taking Veevee and his rifle with him.

Pansy watched him go up and up the mountain, until he was lost to sight.

"Oh," she cried, as she clapped her hands, "I know where Tom has gone! He
has just gone away to bring Uncle and 'Fessor Pete back again."

Well, anyhow, Tom had a look at the sea. It spread out as far as the eye
could reach, and was covered everywhere with great snow-clad bergs of
ice, except just close to the island, where it was clear, but black as
ink.

It was nothing more than he expected, but somehow he wished it had been
otherwise.

He marched down the other side of the hill for quite a mile, keeping a
good look-out, however, lest some huge ice-bear should catch him
unawares.

By and by he missed his little four-footed