Lewis gave in to his younger companion, and the two ornithologists, who
were on their way to the Canary Islands in search of eggs, were rowed to
shore.

"They had better fetch us at sunset," said Lewis as they landed.

"Perhaps we shall stay the night," responded Stewart.

"I don't think so," said Lewis; but after a pause he told the sailors
that if they should be more than half an hour late they were not to
wait, but to come back in the morning at ten. Lewis and Stewart walked
from the sandy bay up a steep basaltic cliff which sloped right down to
the beach.

"The island is volcanic," said Stewart.

"All the islands about here are volcanic," said Lewis. "We shan't be
able to climb much in this heat," he added.

"It will be all right when we get to the trees," said Stewart. Presently
they reached the top of the cliff. The basaltic rock ceased and an open
grassy incline was before them covered with myrtle and cactus bushes;
and further off a thick wood, to the east of which rose a hill sparsely
dotted with olive trees. They sat down on the grass, panting. The sun
beat down on the dry rock; there was not a cloud in the sky nor a ripple
on the emerald sea. In the air there was a strange aromatic scent; and
the stillness was heavy.

"I don't think it can be inhabited," said Lewis.