ing in all directions, the lowest branch being
about seven feet from the ground. This tree I at once attacked, and,
the wood being soft, while the axe was keen, it fell some ten minutes
later. Lopping off as much of the upper part of the trunk as I
considered too slim and weak for my purpose, I found that by cutting off
the lower part, just below the bottom branch, I should have a nice
straight pole about twelve feet long. This I did, afterward lopping off
all the branches to within about six inches of the trunk--the stumps to
serve as rungs or steps. There was my ladder complete, and light enough
to be easily handled. I hoisted it on my shoulder, and, carrying the
axe in my hand in case I should need it, proceeded along the ledge to
its extremity.

Here I reared my "ladder" against the cliff face, and found, as I had
expected, that it was just of a nice convenient length, enabling me to
reach the opening with the utmost ease.

As I had fully expected, the cleft proved to be the mouth of a cavern,
for as I stood at the top of the ladder and peered in, I saw that it
extended some way back into the cliff, widening as it went. How far it
extended I could not tell, but when my eyes became somewhat accustomed
to the gloom I was able to trace the passage--for such it seemed to be--
inward for a distance of at least ten feet, beyond which was black
darkness.

Having seen thus much, I should not have been human had I not desired to
see more. I therefore climbed into the opening, and, with all due
precaution, proceeded to investigate a little farther. The floor of the
entrance, if I may so term it, was very awkwardly shaped, resembling a
V, so that in reality there was no floor at all, properly speaking, but
merely the rough sides of the cleft meeting together at the bottom. A
little way in, however--about six or eight feet from the face of the
cliff--the sides began to fall away from each other, leaving a surface
that might be walked on without much difficulty; and I told myself that
if in other respects the cavern proved suitable as a dwelling, the
awkward character of the entrance might easily be rectified.

Still making my way carefully, with a watchful eye for possible snakes--
I had seen none thus far, and had not the least idea whether or not
there were any on the island; still, it was as well to be careful--I
gradually worked inward until I estimated that I was at least twenty
feet from the mouth, and here I