several cones of various sizes. These are ancient vents, supposed to be
extinct--"

"But one of them, the one furthest away," interrupted Nigel, steadying
his telescope on the branch of a tree, "seems to be anything but
extinct, for I see a thin column of white smoke or steam rising from
it."

"That is just what I was going to point out. They call that Perboewatan.
It is the lowest peak on the island, about 400 feet high, and stands, I
should say, in the very centre of the ancient crater, where are the two
fissures I have mentioned. For two hundred years Perboewatan has not
smoked like that, and, slight though it is at present, I cannot help
thinking that it indicates an impending eruption, especially when I
consider that earthquakes have become more numerous of late years, and
there was one in 1880 which was so violent as to damage seriously the
lighthouse on Java's First Point."

"Then you have resided here for some time?" said Nigel.

"Yes, for many years," replied the hermit, in a low, sad tone.

"But is it wise in you to stay if you think an explosion so likely?
Don't you needlessly run considerable risk?"

"I do not fear to die."

Nigel looked at his new friend in surprise, but there was not a shadow
of boastfulness or affectation either in his look or tone.