ld not think there is much
chance of our finding a cave except on the seashore caves are by no means
common articles. However, we shall no doubt be able to light on some
sheltered place where we can take up our abode during the rain. But, first
of all, we must find out whether the island is really uninhabited; there
will be all sorts of things to do as soon as we can assure ourselves of
that.

"I should be rather glad of one good gale, captain--a gale strong enough to
break up the vessel altogether. Of course, it has been a perfect treasure
house to us, but I never go on board without a shudder at the thought of
the fo'c's'le just below the level of the water."

"It is no more than standing at the edge of a graveyard," the captain said
philosophically.

"Yes, that is true, and I know that even if we could have got at them the
first day, taken them ashore and buried them, it would have been an
unpleasant business."

"Very," the Peruvian agreed; "things have turned out for the best--they are
buried at sea instead of being buried on land. For myself, my regret that
the ship did not lie on an even keel was not because we could have got at
the bodies and buried them, but because in there we should have found many
things that would have been useful. We should probably have got an axe or
two, some tools, canvas, needles, and twine, all of which would have been
very valuable to us."

"Well, all the same, captain, I shall be glad when a gale knocks the ship
to pieces. Besides, as long as she is there she would be seen at once by
any canoe coming along on this side of the island, and on going on board
the natives would see that some of the crew must have survived, and that
things have been brought up and taken ashore; then there would be sure to
be a search after us."

"Yes, you are right there, senor; I had not thought of that. No doubt it
is desirable that she should disappear."

"Do you think that we could blow her up, captain? There is plenty of
powder on board."

The Peruvian shook his head. "We could shatter her, but portions would
still remain sticking up above water, and the explosion would be heard
fifty miles round, and the cloud of smoke be seen from all the islands
within that distance, and there would soon be canoes coming to see what
had caused it. No; it will be best to let her remain as she is until she
breaks up with the first gale."

The next morning they started, taking Jacopo with them. The captain