," he said. "But who could have dreamt we should want it?"

A minute later a light wreath of mist crossed the boat, and almost
immediately the great fog-bank rolled over it. An exclamation broke
from several of those on board. So sudden was the change of temperature
that it seemed as if an icy hand had been laid upon them.

"It is fortunate that we are not far from shore," Mr. Atherton said to
the mate. "There is nothing for it but to coast along close in."

"That is the only thing to do," Mr. Ryan replied. "But it will be an
awkward business; for, as we noticed when we came along, the shore is in
many places studded with rocks. However, we must risk that, and by going
on slowly and carefully we may get off with slight damage even if we hit
one. It is not as if the water was rough."

The fog was so thick that they could scarcely see the ends of the
oar-blades.

"How are we to find the ship?" Marion asked.

"There will be no difficulty about that, Miss Renshaw. They will be sure
to be firing guns as signals for us. There!" he broke off as the boom of
a cannon came across the water. "Besides, with the land on our right
hand and this icy breeze from the south, we cannot go far out of our
way."

"Row easy, men," the mate commanded. "We cannot be far from shore now,
and we must begin to look out sharp for rocks. Row light and aisy, and
do not make more noise with your oars than you can help. The natives may
be listening for us; and we do not want a shower of spears in the boat.
Mr. Allen, will you go forward into the bows, and keep a sharp look-out
for rocks?"

James Allen went forward, and two or three minutes later cried, "Easy
all! Hold her up!" Quickly as the order was obeyed the boat's stem
grated on the shore before her way was lost.

"Back her off, lads!" the mate cried. As the boat glided off into deep
water again there was a yell from the shore, and a dozen spears struck
the water round her. Fortunately none of them struck her, for she was
invisible to the natives, who had been guided to the spot by the sound
of the oars.

"Not an encouraging reception," Mr. Atherton remarked quietly. "Well,
ladies, you have not seen the cannibals as yet, but you have heard them.
I think the best plan, Mr. Ryan, will be to tear up one of these rugs
and muffle the oars."

"I think we may as well do so," the mate replied "However, their sharp
ears are sure to hear us if we are close inshore, and we dare not go far
out or