y before noon and continued with more or less
vigor all that day and during the night.

"I am afraid this storm will prevent us from starting for several days,
on account of its widespread character. The sea for hundreds of miles
has been subject to this monsoon, and we would have a very rough time
until the sea quiets down."

The delay was a bitter thing for the boys. Expectation had run high.
Anticipation doesn't mildly or easily brook waiting. They did not know
what to do, or how to pass the time in the interim. It was such a new
and trying condition for them.

The Professor noticed how they chafed under the restraint, but
apparently took no heed of it. However, he encouraged them in every
effort they made to divert themselves and to occupy their minds during
the waiting period.

During one of these spells which come on all more or less during such
trying hours, George could not hold in any longer, but broke out
impatiently: "What is the use of waiting any longer? The storm may keep
up for a week."

"Then do you think we had better venture a start under these
conditions?"

George thought a while. He appreciated the risk. Harry, too, was anxious
and nervous, and expressed a willingness to take the risk.

"Let me put another side to the question," said the Professor. "We are
perfectly safe here. You take no risks by remaining. You have in the
cave treasure that will make you millionaires. You cannot afford to take
any risks. If we knew something of the conditions on the island, and had
a certain knowledge that our comrades were in danger, the considerations
I have named should not deter us from starting. But with all these
things in the dark, and with the monsoons likely to break out again at
any time, the question is whether we can afford to risk the safety of
the enterprise because of impatience at delay."

"Yes," answered Harry. "I have thought of these things, and I feel that
the Professor's advice should be followed."

The boys were particularly surprised that he should refer to the money
in the cave as a reason why they should consider their actions in the
matter. It was so unlike him to refer to any sordid considerations as a
reason for not performing a great duty.

"I would also remind you that one of the greatest boons ever given to
the great investigators of the world came through delays. Time is a
wonderful reasoner. It is also a great modifier of events. Darwin was
prevented for twenty years in