omparison, for wherever the tide rose
and retired the sand was either level and firm or slightly rippled by
the sinking wave.

But to go along here was to place themselves in full view of the praus,
and Mark felt that they would certainly be seen.

There was nothing to be done then but risk it or wait till night, while
to hide till then might mean destruction to the party round at Crater
Bay.

"Yes," said the major's wife, "we must risk it;" and Mark stepped boldly
out, gazing anxiously back at the three praus.

They had no means of telling whether they were seen or no; all they
could make out was that the praus were coming steadily along, sometimes
sailing, at others, when the wind dropped, being urged forward with long
oars.

The heat grew more painful as the fugitives kept steadily on, unable to
select the best road on account of the necessity for keeping close in to
the trees: but at last, worn out and exhausted, after leaving the
sheltering rocks where Mark had rested during the storm, far behind,
they came in sight of one of the points or angles of the island, where
the land trended round to the north-west, and once past this the way
would be out of sight of the praus.

With this to inspire them they all exerted themselves to the utmost, and
reaching the rocks that ran out seaward they struggled by them, for the
dog to lie down panting, and the monkey to display his distress by
hurrying to a tree and eagerly picking some of its harsh sour fruit.

It was an example to be followed, though the party did not dare to rest,
but gladly partook of some of the food Mrs O'Halloran's foresight had
provided, and this and the firm sand they were now enabled to choose for
their road, joined to the knowledge that they were screened from the
enemies' view, gave strength to their efforts as they ate and walked on.

At the end of a mile they reached water--clear, cold, bubbling water--
refreshed by which they pressed on quite cheerfully till they had passed
another of the points of land and found double shelter from their
enemies' gaze.

By this time a strange alteration had taken place in the weather. The
sun, which had been shining brilliantly, now gradually changed in
appearance till it grew copper-coloured; then its light came through a
thick haze, which gradually darkened, and they were screened from the
burning rays by a black cloud, which grew more and more dense, and
seemed to float only a few hundred yards abov