got nearer, a few huts were seen at the base of the mountain, and in
front a flight of steps hewn out of the solid rock leading to the very
summit. They ran in and anchored close to the shore in a little cove.
As there was still an hour or more of daylight they agreed to land at
once, and explore the place that evening, so that they might sail again
next morning. Up the steps they climbed, for it was evident that they
must lead somewhere. On reaching the top, what was their surprise to
find themselves on the rim of a large circular basin, and looking down
on a small town standing in its midst surrounded by vegetable gardens
and orchards. The inhabitants received them very cordially not often
being troubled by visitors, and offered them the best the island could
supply, chiefly vegetables and fish, with the promise of a kid if they
would stay till the next day. An unsophisticated race were these Saba
islanders. "The world forgetting--by the world forgot." As there would
be no little risk of breaking their necks should they attempt to descend
the steps at night, the adventurers wished their hospitable entertainers
good-bye and returned to the shore. It was hot on the top of the hill,
it was hot everywhere; so they agreed that it would be as well to sail
at once, so as to have a longer time to spend at Saint Kitts and Nevis.

On hailing the _Snapper_, Needham came on shore in the boat. He was in
a state of great indignation. A fishing-boat had come alongside, when
Quasho with his mate and crew had gone away in her, carrying with them a
number of cocoa-nuts and gourds, which they said were to sell to the
people on shore; and they had coolly left word that they should not be
back till the next morning. "On this, sir," continued Dick, "I smelt a
rat; and on hunting about in the forepeak, I found a cocoa-nut half full
of rum. Thinks I to myself, that's just what they're going to fill the
others with; and when they come back they'll be as drunk as they were
last night, and we shall have to look after the craft instead of them."

"The rascals!" exclaimed Higson. "We'll go and kick them up before
they've had time to do that same. What do you say, boys?"

All were ready to accompany him, but Higson insisted that Tom and Gerald
and Archy should go on board and wait till he and the rest returned with
the runaways. "You can loose the sails and get ready for weighing as
the wind is off-shore. We shan't be long, depen