of great depth, I could
distinguish the shells that lay on the sand, and observe various kinds
of fish, some of most curious shape, that rushed rapidly beneath the
boat as it was urged along.

I was delighted with the motion, and with the agreeable appearance of
the different novelties that met my gaze. The light boat glided almost
imperceptibly through the water at every stroke of the oar. Nero lay as
still as if his former lesson had taught him the necessity of remaining
motionless; and the gannets now and then expressed their satisfaction by
a shrill cry or a rapid fluttering of their wings.

In this way, we passed on without any adventure, till I found it
necessary for me to row some distance out to sea, to round a projecting
rock that stood like a mighty wall before me. I pulled accordingly, and
then had a better opportunity of seeing the island than I had ever
obtained. I recognised all the favourite places--the ravine, the wood,
the hut covered with beautiful creepers, and the garden, full of
flowers, looked very agreeable to the eye: but every part seemed to look
pleasant, except the great savage rocks which inclosed the island on
every side: but even these I thought had an air of grandeur that gave
additional effect to the scene.

Much to my surprise, I recognised Mrs Reichardt walking rapidly towards
a part of the shore, near which I should be obliged to pass. From this
I saw that she was intent on watching me from point to point, to know
the worst, if any accident should befall me, and be at hand should there
be a necessity for rendering assistance. I shouted to her, and she
waved her hand in reply.

On rounding the headland, my astonishment was extreme on finding my
little bark in the midst of a shoal of enormous sharks. If I came in
contact with one of them, I was lost, for the frail boat would certainly
be upset, and as Jackson had assured me, if ever I allowed these
monsters to come near enough, one snap of their jaws, and there would be
an end of the Little Savage. I thought of the warning of Mrs
Reichardt, and was inclined to think I had better have taken her advice,
and remained in the fishing-pool; nevertheless, I went on as quietly and
deliberately as possible, exercising all my skill to keep clear of my
unexpected enemies.

It was not till I had got into the middle of the shoal, that the sharks
seemed to be aware there was anything unusual in their neighbourhood;
but as soon as they we