l right, I see it coming, mate," said Smith, as a great lump of
cinder fell close to him. "Didn't touch me."

"Miss is as good as a mile, mate, eh? But don't it seem as if someone
up above was heaving these stones at us because we are not wanted here."

"Come along, my lads!" cried Oliver, halting for them to hasten up.
"Take my gun, Smith, and I'll carry the ladder for a bit."

"Not me, sir, begging your pardon. This here ladder's about the
awkwardest and heaviest ladder as ever was for his size."

"Then let me rest you."

"No, sir. I've got used to it now. You couldn't carry it. Could he,
Billy?"

"Not much, lad. We're all right, sir. You go on and show us the way.
If you manage, we can."

"Better let me rest you, my lad."

"Thank-ye, no, sir, Billy and me lays it down in the dust now and then,
and sits on the edge for a rest. We're doing pretty comfortable, and
only wants to get down to the tent to tea."

"All right, then."

The darkness increased for a while, and they came dangerously near being
struck by stones several times over, but escaped as if by a miracle.
Then just as they were approaching one of the worst of the gaps, the
cloud of smoke and ashes floated gradually away, they obtained a glimpse
of the bright blue sky and were able to cross the crevice in safety,
though conscious all the while that a great body of suffocating vapour
was now rising from the depths below.

The rest of the descent to the great rift was made in the bright
afternoon sunshine, every nerve being strained to get that passed before
darkness fell, and as Wriggs, who came last this time, reached the edge
where the others were hauling in the line they all set up a hearty
cheer, and gathering up the rope, set off as if refreshed, for the
dangers of the ascent were at an end.

"An hour will do it," cried Oliver. "Then a warm bath, a good meal, a
night's rest, and we shall be all right."

"But we did not get to the top," said Panton.

"Well, what of that? We've found out that we are upon an island, and we
have left something else to do another day, for we must get to the edge
of the crater before we've done."

"And now what next?" said Drew, as they tramped on down the soft ash
bed, after carefully mapping out their course to the hot-spring camp.

"Food and rest."

"No, no, I mean about our proceedings."

"Let Mr Rimmer construct a boat if he likes. It will keep him busy,
and take I daresay a couple of yea