mpt to convert the
Indians by introducing their worship, but finding them obdurate and
unable to comprehend its mysteries, put them to death as a punishment.
From an account I read the other day, the island, when first discovered
by Columbus, was thickly populated; but in the course of a few years,
after the Spaniards took possession, the greater number of the natives
had been murdered or expended in some other way."

The rest of the party agreed with him. As they were all getting hungry,
they returned to the camp, where, in a space which had been cleared by
the servants, a tablecloth had been spread, and was already covered with
viands, cushions and mats being placed around on which the ladies could
recline. The carriage party soon arrived, and Mr Twigg, in his cheery
voice, summoned his guests to breakfast, which consisted of numberless
West Indian delicacies. In spite of the good appetites their ride had
given them, most of the party were too eager to explore the cavern to
pay them that attention they undoubtedly deserved. After the gentlemen
had smoked their cigars, and the ladies had put on costumes more
suitable for the object in view than their riding-habits, headed by Mr
Twigg the party set forth, Major Malcolm escorting Miss Pemberton, and
Ellen being attended by Archie and Lieutenant Belt, who was determined
no longer to be cut out. Mr Ferris had taken charge of Mrs Twigg, who
confessed that had not the girls required her as a chaperone, she would
rather have remained at home.

"Martha, indeed, particularly wanted me not to come," she remarked.
"She seemed unusually put out about something or other. Whether she
fancied that the children were not as well as usual, or for some other
cause, I could not guess; but they appeared to me to be so perfectly
happy that I did not think it necessary to listen to her. She urged,
however, that we should come back before dark, and Mr Twigg agreed that
it would be important to get by the cliffs before sunset; after that,
the ride is so easy, and we know it so well that there can be no
danger."

This was said as they were proceeding through the wood. Mr Ferris
agreed that it would certainly be advisable not to delay their departure
after they had explored the cavern and taken luncheon, and that it would
be better to endure the heat of the afternoon than to run the risk of
travelling in the dark. An experienced guide and a supply of torches,
consisting of bundles of