other respects, they could not have desired to reach a
more satisfactory locality. The cliffs appeared to be full of caves, in
one of which they could lie hidden till night. They calculated that
their food would last them for a couple of days, so that by husbanding
it, even if their voyage were prolonged, they would have enough to
support life. After hunting about for some time, they selected a cave
half-way up the cliff, which sailors alone, and that not without some
difficulty, could reach. The entrance was small, but there was ample
room for them to lie down, and, what was of importance, they were not at
all likely to be disturbed. As they had walked all night, and had been
scrambling about all the morning, they were very tired, and directly
they had taken some breakfast, they fell fast asleep. Paul was awoke
after some time by the roaring sound of the waves dashing against the
shore. He could see through the narrow opening dark clouds scouring
across the sky, the rain descending in torrents, while ever and anon
there came vivid flashes of lightning, followed by loud, rattling peals
of thunder, which seemed to shake the very rock above their heads. The
wind, too, blew fiercely, and the whole ocean before them was covered
with white-topped billows. Reuben awoke and looked out. He came back
and seated himself.

"Well, young gentlemen," he said quietly, "one thing is certain--we may
make up our minds to have to remain here for some days to come. That
sea won't go down in a hurry, and till it does, it will be hard to come
at a French boat which will carry us safe across."

It was very evident that Reuben's observation was correct, yet it was
very provoking to be thus, delayed when their expedition was so nearly,
as they thought, brought to a happy conclusion. Two days passed, and
the gale did not abate. It now, therefore, became necessary for Paul to
go in search of provisions. His companions wished to accompany him, but
he preferred going alone, and, if possible, to some inland village where
there was less risk of their object being suspected. He set off early
in the morning, and after walking for nearly three hours, he entered a
village where he hoped to find both bread and meat. He could not get
it, however, without being asked some rather searching questions. He
replied promptly, that he had a brother with him, and that as they had
still some way to go, and did not wish to delay on the road, he wish