out; and the porpoise was dragged, in spite of
its struggles, close alongside, when the running bowlines were passed
one over its head, and the other round its tail; and all hands joining,
including Nat, who took the end of a rope--although, as may be supposed,
he was not of much use--we hoisted the huge fish on board. It was at
once killed and scientifically cut up by Truck and the pilot. So eager
was the latter, that he very nearly let us strike on a rock. We had
some pieces of the porpoise beef for dinner, which were pronounced very
good. We supplied the Dolphin with a portion of our catch, and our
united crews lived on it for the next two days.

Next day we had another similar cruise, during which we visited the
beautiful Sound called New Grimsby. On one side stands the tower, known
as Cromwell's Castle--not that he was ever in the island, but he ordered
it to be built. On the opposite side are the ruins of another fort. It
was here that the forces under Blake and Askew landed, and attacked the
fortifications, though they met with a stout resistance from the
Royalists, who at length took to flight.

Farther on we came off vast masses of rock piled one upon another. The
two yachts having hove-to, we pulled on shore, and, under the guidance
of the pilot, managed to land; when, climbing up some distance, we
reached a cone, from the bottom of which we could hear the sea roaring
fearfully. We then arrived lower down at a small opening, when a guide,
who had joined us, lighted some candles, that we might find our way into
a celebrated cavern, called "Piper's Hole." For some distance we had to
crawl along on our hands and knees. At length we reached a narrow but
high vault; this we followed until we arrived at the head of a ladder.
"You will find a boat at the bottom, gentlemen," said the guide.

Jack and I, with Uncle Tom, descended, as we were told that the boat
could not carry a larger fare. After looking down for a few seconds, we
distinguished a light; and going down the ladder, we stepped into a
boat, in which a man, whom we of course denominated Charon, was seated.
Instead of oars, he used a long pole to urge on the boat. We noticed
the dark appearance of the water as we made our way through the vaulted
chambers. We now found ourselves floating on a lake, the water black as
ink, but perfectly smooth. Above our heads was a lofty and extensive
dome; but the sides were invisible. Charon ferried us acr