st going to Observation Hill, which was the custom of one to do each
day, they crawled up the rocky sides, and surveyed the horizon. From
that position they could see across the neck of land, east of the
Cataract, to the point southeast; to the southwest was the mountain
range; to the west the forests, and to the northwest the irregular cliff
line, which ended with another projecting point several miles beyond.
Along the sea line this was the limit of their knowledge.

"While we are here let us examine the sides of Observation point and try
to find the old flagstaff. I still think it was blown away."

Harry's suggestion was acted upon, and they made the trip together over
the rocky side toward the sea. Observation point was on the mainland,
and formed the extreme northern limit. It was fully half a mile from the
grim rock where they had been wrecked. Between the two points were
detached rocks which sprang up out of the water, and in which the water
was constantly swaying to and fro. When the sea was heavy these rock
islands made navigation among them a dangerous occupation.

The tide was then coming in, and eddies and cross currents were rushing
hither and thither, so that it was easy to see that to float the wrecked
life-boat it must be taken out to sea around the rocks. They hesitated
to do this under the circumstances.

All sides of the hill were now examined with care. As they were about to
leave the hill and go to the point where the life-boat lay, some
wreckage was discovered below them, caught within the clefts of the
rock. Here, packed in with seaweed and brush, was an object which
interested them.

"What is this, George? It looks like the fragment of a boat; and here is
another piece. Let us dig it out."

Both were excited beyond measure at this discovery. Not only one, but a
number of pieces were finally removed. It was, beyond question, portions
of a boat.

"Harry, this is part of our boat. See this piece of rope; and here is
part of an oar. Wait till I get to the bottom of this mass."

"Run for the Professor, and I will remove the pieces while you are
away," was George's answer.

Harry was off at the instant, and in less than half an hour, reappeared
with the Professor, who examined the recovered portions of the wreck.

"It is certainly parts of a boat; but I am sure, from the present
examination, that it cannot be our boat."

The boys were surprised at the information.

"My reasons for saying