ing a spot, and so near the sea-shore. I
was at first inclined to think it nothing more than a reservoir of
standing water, left by the last rains, which had filled not only the
pit, but also the surrounding basin. The former being deep and narrow,
evaporation would be very gradual, which might, I supposed, account for
the small quantity still remaining.

"That can hardly be," said Arthur, when I suggested this explanation,
"the spot is wholly unsheltered from the sun, except at noon, by this
screen of palm-leaves, and if the entire hollow were filled with water
this morning, there would not be a drop of moisture left in three days,
unless the supply were renewed. Besides, the water is too fresh and
sweet to have stood since the last rains."

"I should judge," said Morton, "that this spot is but little above the
level of the lagoon, and if the bottom of the well here, is below that
level at ebb tide, this supply of fresh water can be easily accounted
for."

"The rise and fall of the tide here, does not seem to be more than
eighteen inches, or two feet," said Max, "and as to the depth of the pit
or well, as you call it, you ought to be able to speak with confidence,
having so recently been to the bottom of it."

"There are wells on the low islands of the West Indies," said Morton,
"which communicate with the sea, and rise and fall with the tide, the
sea-water penetrating through the sand, and being distilled in its
passage: and I think this is one of the same kind. Here is a recent
water-mark, more than a foot above the present level. If I am right, we
shall find that the tide is now low."

Arthur thrust a stick into the side of the well to mark the height of
the water, while Johnny rushed furiously down to the beach, and in a
moment came posting back with the announcement that the tide _was_ low.

"Very well, so far," said Arthur, "it only remains to be seen, whether,
when the tide has risen, there will be any corresponding rise here."

"And, meantime," suggested Browne, "let us refresh ourselves with a
bath, before the sun gets higher; and we can also take the opportunity
to give our under garments the benefit of an ablution, as Max has
proposed."

No one can fully appreciate the luxury of sea-bathing who has not
enjoyed it within the tropics.

The calm, transparent water, with the firm white beach and bottom,
looked so deliciously cool and inviting, that the suggestion was adopted
as soon as made; and