risk of being swept away by the storm. At the upper end of the
creek was a small hollow or cave in the rock, which sheltered us
from the fury of the winds and waves; and as the rock extended in a
sort of ledge over our heads, it prevented the spray from falling
upon us.

"Why," said Peterkin, beginning to feel cheery again, "it seems to
me that we have got into a mermaid's cave, for there is nothing but
water all round us; and as for earth or sky, they are things of the
past."

Peterkin's idea was not inappropriate, for, what with the sea
roaring in white foam up to our very feet, and the spray flying in
white sheets continually over our heads, and the water dripping
heavily from the ledge above like a curtain in front of our cave,
it did seem to us very much more like being below than above water.

"Now, boys," cried Jack, "bestir yourselves, and let's make
ourselves comfortable. Toss out our provisions, Peterkin; and
here, Ralph, lend a hand to haul up the boat. Look sharp."

"Ay, ay, captain," we cried, as we hastened to obey, much cheered
by the hearty manner of our comrade.

Fortunately the cave, although not very deep, was quite dry, so
that we succeeded in making ourselves much more comfortable than
could have been expected. We landed our provisions, wrung the
water out of our garments, spread our sail below us for a carpet,
and, after having eaten a hearty meal, began to feel quite
cheerful. But as night drew on, our spirits sank again, for with