ion of Casey,
who had to keep the first watch, when they were aroused by a loud
exclamation uttered by him, and at the same time by a thundering sound
and by feeling the earth shake beneath them. Starting to their feet,
their eyes were attracted by a bright light, which rose from the
mountain, where shooting upwards, it increased in size, until it assumed
a mushroom appearance, the top extending far and wide round the
mountain. It was a volcano which had suddenly burst forth. No lava,
however, was seen descending its sides, but they felt a shower of fine
ashes falling on their heads. The screen they had put up, however,
partially sheltered them from it. Nothing further could be done, so
they resolved to remain where they were, hoping that the eruption would
not increase.

Further sleep was out of the question; all night long they watched the
fearful flames, expecting every moment to find a fiery shower falling
upon them.

"It might have been much worse," said Tom. "We might have been close
under it, and here, at all events, we only get a little peppered."

Towards morning the eruption began to subside, and by daylight dense
smoke only was seen ascending out of the crater. In spite of their want
of sleep, they at once continued their march, hoping to get well to the
southward. As none of the party had pocket-books, they were unable to
note down a description of the curious creatures they met with and the
wonderful scenery they passed through. They frequently saw serpents of
fifteen or twenty feet in length, and huge apes, upwards of five feet in
height, with hideous features, of almost human shape. They were
thankful when they got out of the volcanic region, although they had
again to endure the heat of the plains. What was their joy, after
ascending a low ridge, to see before them a wide expanse of water,
glittering in the sun.

"The sea! the sea!" exclaimed Billy.

Casey and Peter echoed the cry. Had they truly reached the termination
of their journey? Tom doubted it. Looking through his telescope, he
discovered both to the east and west, a low shore. It might be an
estuary extending a long way inland, but they might still be many days'
journey from the coast. Whether it was really the sea or a fresh water
lake, could only be determined by getting down to it and tasting its
waters.

With stout hearts they marched on. They were now well supplied with
food. Seldom many hours passed without their