Mr Lathrope, who had been for some time quieter
than usual, "that air animile ain't far off its roosting peg; and whar
he lands I kalkerlate we can dew too."

As he spoke, the American pointed out a species of black shag or
cormorant, which had evidently been on a fishing expedition and was
returning home with the fruits of his spoil in his bill for the
delectation of the home circle.

"You are very likely right," said Mr Meldrum. "That sort of sea-fowl
generally selects a flat shore for its habitat, in preference to high
places--just as the penguins do, so that they may the sooner tumble into
the water when desirous of taking to that element. I would not be
surprised to find a landing-place as soon as we round that further point
of the cliff, where the line of surf seems to end. Stretch out with
those oars, men," he added, speaking in a louder tone to those in the
jolly-boat. "One more long pull altogether and we'll be able to get
ashore."

"Aye, aye, sorr; go it, my hearties," sang out Mr McCarthy; and, the
hands, giving a responsive cheer and putting their backs into each
stroke, made the boat race along--dragging the raft behind it at a speed
that caused it to rock from side to side, and slightly startle the
ladies, while the boat, too, shipped a little water that came in over
the bows as it dipped forward from the jerk of the tow-rope.

At length the limit of the cliff line was reached. It terminated as
abruptly as it rose from the water; for, when the boat had pulled past
the last of the breakers, a long narrow fiord or inlet of the sea opened
before the eager eyes of the castaways, stretching far inland and
bordered on each side by shelving slopes of hills that from their shape
must have been composed of the same basaltic rock as that of the cliffs,
although now completely covered with snow. A sight that pleased them
more, however, was a broad beach of black sand--extending up to the
slope of the higher land--on which they could ground the raft in safety.
It was the very thing they sought!

"Hooray boys!" exclaimed the first mate, taking off his cap and waving
it round his head in excitement. "Sure an' we've rached the land at
last!"

A shout of joy came from all, in sympathetic response.

A few strokes more, and the jolly-boat had touched the shore; when, the
men jumping out, and those on the raft following suit, although the
water was icy cold and almost up to their arm-pits, the raft was quickl