arried from the house where they had been
stored, and those we had brought with us were put on board. We all now
hastened on to the raft. The masts, and spars, and oars, and all the
other things which had been prepared were also placed on it. "Now,
shove off!" cried my uncle, "and Heaven protect us! Mr Thudicumb, we
beg you to take charge of the raft. My duty is over." Merlin was the
last of our party who leaped on board. With long poles, which had been
got ready for the purpose, we shoved off. Not a moment too soon; for
already the lava which had overflowed the stream was making its way
towards the harbour, while the showers of dust increased, thickly
covering the raft.

I cast an affectionate look at the _Hope_. She had been the means of
rescuing me from my solitary island, and restoring me to my sister and
friends. In a few minutes, she would probably be a mass of cinders. As
soon as we were clear of the harbour, we got out our oars and paddles,
and urged the raft away from the island. It was nearly calm. The heat
was drawing the air towards the mountain, thus creating a contrary
breeze to what we expected to find, or wished for. The scene which took
place on our own island when Macco and I were carried from it, was
vividly recalled to my mind. There was the mountain blazing away, with
a vast sea of flame surging at its base, spreading here and there with
fearful rapidity, while the showers of ashes came every instant thicker
and thicker. Three streams of lava were descending from the sides of
the mountain, sweeping away in one instant the tall trees against which
it forced its course as if they had been willow wands. Even now it
seemed as if destruction might overtake us. We urged on the raft with
all the energy of despair. Mr Thudicumb steered, the rest of us worked
the oars. The Frau and the two girls were seated in the centre,
surrounded by the lockers which contained our provisions. While the
water was smooth, there was no danger, but we could not help seeing
that, exposed to a heavy sea, there would be great risk of our being
washed off it.

We soon had reason to be thankful that we had escaped from the island,
for the fire was every instant seen to be extending on both sides, while
the eruption became more furious than ever. Suddenly a loud roar was
heard coming over the water, and a vast rent was made in the side of the
mountain. It seemed like the work of magic. The whole outline was