ds were left
absolutely without an inhabitant; infanticide was a universally
prevalent custom, and that fully two-thirds of the young were cruelly
murdered is a fact vouched for by the missionary Williams, one of the
most intelligent, persevering, and successful of the pioneers of the
true religion in Polynesia. This beautiful Tahitian group of islands
was, therefore, a sink of vice and crime.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE HURRICANE.

"I see a cascade or waterfall on the hillside yonder," cried Juarez.

"Then we will make a landing somewhere along the beach in that
direction," ordered the professor.

Slowly they approached the shore, and landing carefully reconnoitered,
but nothing was observed to warrant their caution.

A spring, pouring forth a constant stream of limpid, cool water, was
readily located, and here each found satisfying refreshment. About them
everywhere were luxuriant growths, and tropical fruits of many varieties
were within reach of the extended hand.

Water was conveyed to the boat, and the cask filled to transport a
supply to the ship. A quantity of yams were gathered for the party on
board while they themselves ate of the fruit to their heart's content.
As they walked inland they came upon charming glens and defiles well up
the mountain side, and still above them rose great castleated turrets,
all draped in mosses and flowering shrubs forming the abode of many a
bird of prey that on their approach rose screaming to the sky.

"But this is a vast space that we have got to examine," said Jim,
speaking in a low voice to the professor. "I wonder where," quoting from
the chart, "we are to find the cave opening--the opening high up and
hard to reach, with a blue rock somewhere about?"

"We shall go about it systematically, as soon as we find travel safe. If
there are inhabitants we must conduct our exploitations in groups. If
otherwise we can spread out and cover the ground much more rapidly."

On the return trip toward the boat, a strong odor of sulphur attracted
their attention, and a mineral spring was located. Here for the first
time they found indications that others had visited the spot, but how
recently could not be determined.

"Seemingly," suggested the professor, "this is a remedial water, the
virtues of which may be known to the occupants of the other islands
hereabouts."

Farther on, near the shore, Jim came upon a rude shack, or shelter,
built of boughs, and the roof thatched wit