of light could emerge, cans
of water from the emergency rations, work gloves from the clothing
locker, and candy bars for quick-energy rations.

In addition, Rick had Zircon's pistol, a takedown fishing rod, with reel
and line, a radio unit, and the long glass. Scotty had his rifle, a
small first-aid kit, and a wooden caulking mallet.

The two boys were having a last cup of coffee when Chahda came down from
the upper deck. "Is time," the Hindu boy told them. "We two miles east
of Shan. Good wind. You make good time going in, not so good coming
back."

The boys finished their coffee and went on deck. The four shook hands
all around, and Zircon cautioned, "Give yourselves plenty of time for
the return trip. Remember that if you're late, you'll have to hide on
the volcano all day!"

CHAPTER XVI

The Black Cliff

Heavy seas broke against the rocky base of the island. Rick surveyed the
cove they had chosen with some misgiving. The vinta wouldn't be safe if
tied to shore. The breaking surf would batter it to bits before they
could get back.

Scotty moved to his side. "Now what?"

"Swim," Rick said grimly. "Around that point looks like the most
sheltered place, but it isn't good. The wind blows these waves halfway
around the world, and they've got plenty of steam."

"Have to chance it," Scotty stated.

They maneuvered the cranky craft into the meager shelter of the point
Rick had indicated, then dropped the stone anchor. It dragged along the
bottom briefly, then caught in a cleft between two underwater rocks. It
would hold unless the rope broke.

The boys took their belongings and bundled them in their clothes, along
with shoes and weapons. Then, holding the bundles high with one hand,
they slipped into the water. In a few moments the two were rubbing
themselves dry and putting their clothes on again.

Rick tried the radio unit while they rested. "Rick to Zircon."

"Standing by, Rick. Where are you?"

"Ashore." He described the situation briefly.

"I should have thought of that," Zircon replied. "The eastern shore is
to windward. You were bound to have surf. Are you all right?"

"Yes. We're starting out now. We'll talk to you from on top, if it's
safe." He hung the little radio around his neck by its lanyard, and
stood up. "Ready to climb Mount Everest, brother Scott?"

Scotty stared up at the slope of the volcano. "If you are, brother
Brant."

Neither boy was an experienced mountaineer, but bo