ce of the Pacific behind them, rolled against
the perpendicular walls, the dark surfaces of which were veined at
frequent intervals by the silvery lines of the waterfalls, or graced
by the vines which fell in straight lines, or were looped in varied
shapes.

Beyond these cliffs there rose the splendid slopes, with here and
there groves of royal palms and slender cocoa trees, fit temples for
the gods of ancient Hawaii who were supposed to dwell in streams and
groves and mountains. Still higher up the mountain side grew the
forests of creamy koa, inlaid among the dark-leaved kukui.

At times the skirts of the clouds, heavy with moisture, dragged along
the lower slopes, and a soft gloom would diffuse itself over the
landscape. Then the sun would roll the mists aside for the moment, and
the light would fall upon tropical vales, hills and mountain slopes,
with all the vividness of the early spring and yet with the full, rich
splendor of summer.

No wonder the Frontier Boys were silent as they gazed upon this scene
of varied and unusual beauty, so different from the wild and barren
grandeur of the mountain ranges in their own country, and the arid
deserts they had traveled over.

"I'd hate to fall overboard here," exclaimed Tom, "it looks all-fired
deep."

"The captain says that along these island coasts," remarked Juarez,
"is some of the deepest seas in the world."

"Say, Jeems," cried Juarez to the invalid, "wade out here and see how
deep it is."

"If you really want to know I'll tell you," responded Jeems, the
philosopher. "Off this coast it's between five and seven thousand
feet."

"Whew!" whistled Jim, "over a mile, how is that for down?"

"It makes me shiver to think of it," exclaimed Tom.

"Hello, boys!" cried Jeems, "there is a big fire over on the other
side of the Island."

"I should say!" commented Jim earnestly. "Look at that smoke rolling
up."

"It must be a forest fire," put in Jo. "Reminds me of our Colorado
experiences."

"I tell you what, boys, let's make a landing and take a look at it,"
cried Juarez. "There's a fine harbor ahead of us!"

Old Captain Kerns was taking a deep interest in the conversation, as
was evident, as he looked down from the quarter deck at the boys.

"What's that you lads were saying, about a big fire somewheres?" he
inquired. "I hope it hain't aboard ship."

"No, no, Captain," replied Jim reassuringly, "we meant that big smoke
over on the other side of the island