ded, as they discovered upon a
closer inspection, from the presence of minute particles of a dull
yellow substance embedded in the stone. But what chiefly riveted their
attention was a small basin-like pool with a smooth level sandy bottom,
as they could clearly see from their elevated stand-point. The water
appeared to be about two feet deep, and the basin itself was roughly of
a circular form, about ten yards in diameter. That it was obviously
intended by nature to be used as a bath was the thought which flashed
simultaneously through the minds of the three fair gazers; and as each
one glanced half-timidly around, only to feel reassured by the utter
absence of any indication of probable unwelcome intrusion, the thought
speedily found vent in words.

"Just look at that pool," exclaimed Mrs Staunton; "what a delightful
bath it would make!"

"Oh, Mrs Staunton!" said Blanche, "do you know that is exactly the
thought which occurred to me. I feel tired, and I should so enjoy a
plunge into the beautiful clear, cool water. Do you think we might
venture?"

"I do not see why we should not," was the reply. "What do you think,
Violet?"

"I think it would be nothing short of a luxury," answered Violet. "I
too feel tired, and I am sure it would refresh us. I am not afraid, if
you are not."

"Then let us risk it," said Mrs Staunton with a sudden show of
intrepidity, which was, however, only half genuine; and, each borrowing
courage from the companionship of the others, they hurriedly scrambled
down the rocky slope, and in a few minutes more were flashing the bright
water over each other like naiads at play, their clear laughter echoing
strangely among the mighty rocks of the ravine.

The water proved to be much deeper than they had supposed, being quite
four feet deep in the centre of the pool, which rendered their bath all
the more enjoyable. The sand was, on the whole, beautifully fine,
white, and firm beneath their feet, but occasionally they experienced
the sensation of treading upon small, hard, roughly-rounded objects
among the finer particles; and finally Blanche encountered a lump so
large and hard that, curious to see what it could be, she, with a motion
of her foot, swept away the sand until the object was exposed to view.
It seemed to be a rough, irregularly-shaped pebble somewhat larger than
a hen's egg, of a dull yellow colour; and, reaching down her arm, she
plunged beneath the water and brought the od