hour to cover it, for directly we entered
the gorge there were frequent pauses to admire the splendid vistas which
every bend of the path opened out. But in due time we reached the
cavern and entered it, when other torches were kindled, so that each
member of the party might be provided with a light.

It soon became apparent that the cavern was spacious enough to
accommodate a very much larger party than ours. It was so extensive,
indeed, that we were obliged to defer its complete exploration for lack
of a sufficient number of torches; but we saw enough of it to determine
us to enter upon its occupation forthwith. Accordingly I made my way to
the beach where we had left the boat, and proceeded to transfer our few
belongings from her to the cavern. Those belongings were not very many,
consisting, in fact, merely of the empty water breaker, the arms and
ammunition, the carpenter's chest, and the few planks that I had found
afloat in the lagoon after the sinking of the wreck; and I succeeded in
effecting the transfer of the whole before sunset.

Thus far I had been much too busy to attempt anything in the nature of
an exploration of the entire island; but now that a safe shelter had
been found for the party--and one capable of being very effectively
defended, too, if the necessity should arise--I felt it was high time to
make myself fully acquainted with our new home and its capabilities as
at least a temporary abode. I was especially anxious to ascertain
beyond all question whether it harboured any other inhabitants than
ourselves; therefore, on the morning after we had installed ourselves in
the cavern, I took a rifle, filled my pockets with cartridges, and set
out with the intention of making the complete circuit of the island. I
left Julius in charge, and warned my companions not to be anxious on my
account, should I not return by nightfall, as I meant to take my time
and explore the island thoroughly before returning.

Starting from the cavern immediately after breakfast, I proceeded
southward, and, descending to the beach, indulged in a swim as a
preliminary. Then, returning to the top of the cliff, I continued my
way southward until I reached a point overlooking the harbour entrance,
from which I struck inland toward one of the two inferior elevations
previously mentioned.

The base of this mound was completely surrounded by trees, intermingled
with an undergrowth so dense that it was only with difficulty