When Nigel looked round him he saw that they had gained a plateau, high
up on the very summit of the mountain, which appeared to be absolutely
inaccessible by any means save that by which they had reached it.

"This is what I call my observatory," said the hermit, turning to his
guest. "We have passed right through the peak of Rakata, and reached its
northern side, which commands, as you see, a view of all the northern
part of the island. I come here often in the night to study the face of
the heavens, the moon, and stars, and meditate on their mysterious
Maker, whose ways are indeed wonderful and past finding out; but all
which must, in the nature of things, be _right_."

As this was the first mention that the hermit had made of the Creator,
and the reference was one requiring more thought than Nigel had yet
bestowed on it, he made no rejoinder.

"Have you studied astronomy, Mr. Roy?"

"No--at least not more of it than was needful for navigation. But pray,
sir, do not call me Mr. Roy," said the youth, with a somewhat
embarrassed air. "If I am to be your assistant and familiar companion
for two or three months, I hope that you will agree to call me Nigel.
Your man has done so already without asking leave!"

"I will, on one condition."

"And that is--?"

"That you also dispense with the 'Mr.' and 'sir,' and call me Van der