rock into the water, we dived through the narrow entrance. In a
few seconds we were panting on the rocks above, and receiving the
congratulations of our friend Peterkin.



CHAPTER XIV.



Strange peculiarity of the tides - Also of the twilight -
Peterkin's remarkable conduct in embracing a little pig and killing
a big sow - Sage remarks on jesting - Also on love.


IT was quite a relief to us to breathe the pure air and to enjoy
the glad sunshine after our long ramble in the Diamond Cave, as we
named it; for, although we did not stay more than half an hour
away, it seemed to us much longer. While we were dressing, and
during our walk home, we did our best to satisfy the curiosity of
poor Peterkin, who seemed to regret, with lively sincerity, his
inability to dive.

There was no help for it, however, so we condoled with him as we
best could. Had there been any great rise or fall in the tide of
these seas, we might perhaps have found it possible to take him
down with us at low water; but as the tide never rose or fell more
than eighteen inches or two feet, this was impossible.

This peculiarity of the tide - its slight rise and fall - had not