its base lay masses of rock that had fallen. The low tide
disclosed here, as at the base of Blomidon, a vast growth of black
sea-weed, which covered all that rocky shore. The upper end of the
island, which was nearest them, was lower, however, and went down
sloping to the shore, forming a place where a landing could easily
be effected. From this shore mud flats extended into the water.

"This end looks as though it had been cleared," said Bart.

"I believe it was," said the captain.

"Does anybody live here?"

"No."

"Did any one ever live here?"

"Yes, once, some one tried it, I believe, but gave it up."

"Does it belong to anybody, or is it public property?"

"O, I dare say it belongs to somebody, if you could only get him to
claim it."

"I say, captain," said Bruce, "how much longer are we going to
drift?"

"O, not much longer. The tide's about on the turn, and we'll have
a leetle change."