“First breakfast.�
I broke open a cocoanut with my axe, I had become expert at it, and we had food and drink in plenty, and for variety some of the hard bread which still remained and other fruit. I lighted the lantern for a moment and went toward the sound of the falling water. The cocoanut shell made an excellent cup and I brought her enough clear, cool, sweet water to lave her face and hands. Save for the stiffness of the constrained position and some slight pain caused by the damp we were both fit for any adventure. Well, we should have need of all our strength doubtless. When we finished our meal and our refreshing ablutions, she looked at me inquiringly.
“Well, what next?�
“The next thing,� said I, “is to see what is toward.�
“You won’t leave the cave,� she said, catching me by the shoulder.
“I should find it difficult were I so minded,� I answered, smiling and thrilling to her touch again as always. Indeed, I have never got used to it even after all these years. As I look back on the scenes of the past now I do not think I have ever had happier moments in my life than those in which she clung to me and was dependent upon me.
“Why not?� she asked.
“You forget that we broke down the way last night.�
“But you are a sailor, you might make shift.�
“Yes, but not you,� I answered.