that fell at long intervals from the roof of the cavern into the
still water; and the strong contrast between all this and our bed
and supper, which, with our faces, were lit up with the deep red
flame of the torch.

We sat long over our meal, talking together in subdued voices, for
we did not like the dismal echoes that rang through the vault above
when we happened to raise them. At last the faint light that came
through the opening died away, warning us that it was night and
time for rest. We therefore put out our torch and lay down to
sleep.

On awaking, it was some time ere we could collect our faculties so
as to remember where we were, and we were in much uncertainty as to
whether it was early or late. We saw by the faint light that it
was day, but could not guess at the hour; so Jack proposed that he
should dive out and reconnoitre.

"No, Jack," said I, "do you rest here. You've had enough to do
during the last few days. Rest yourself now, and take care of
Peterkin, while I go out to see what the pirates are about. I'll
be very careful not to expose myself, and I'll bring you word again
in a short time."

"Very well, Ralph," answered Jack, "please yourself, but don't be
long; and if you'll take my advice you'll go in your clothes, for I
would like to have some fresh cocoa nuts, and climbing trees
without clothes is uncomfortable, to say the least of it."

"The pirates will be sure to keep a sharp lookout," said Peterkin,